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USS Donald Cook
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USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), on 23 May 2016
History
United States
NameDonald Cook
NamesakeDonald Cook
Ordered19 January 1993
BuilderBath Iron Works
Laid down9 July 1996
Launched3 May 1997
Acquired21 August 1998
Commissioned4 December 1998
Home portMayport
Identification
MottoFaith Without Fear
Statusin active service
Badge
General characteristics
Class & typeArleigh Burke-class destroyer
Displacement8,637 long tons (8,776 t) (Full load)
Length505 ft (154 m)
Beam59 ft (18 m)
Draft31 ft (9.4 m)
Installed power
Propulsion2 × shafts
SpeedIn excess of 30 kn (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range4,400 nmi (8,100 km; 5,100 mi) at 20 kn (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement
Sensors &
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × Sikorsky MH-60R

USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) is an Arleigh Burke-class (Flight II) Aegis guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy named for Medal of Honor recipient Donald Cook, a colonel in the United States Marine Corps. She is the 14th of the class to be built at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. Construction began on 9 July 1996, she was launched and christened on 3 May 1997, and on 4 December 1998, she was commissioned at Penn's Landing Pier in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On 16 February 2012, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Donald Cook was to be one of four ships to be homeported at Naval Station Rota, Spain.[4] In January 2014, the Navy announced that the ship would arrive there in mid-February 2014.[5] In Rota she forms part of Destroyer Squadron 60.

Upgrade

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On 12 November 2009, the Missile Defense Agency announced that Donald Cook would be upgraded during fiscal 2012 to RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) capability to function as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.[6]

In 2016, four destroyers patrolling with the U.S. 6th Fleet based in Naval Station Rota, Spain, including Donald Cook received self-protection upgrades, replacing the aft Phalanx CIWS 20 mm Vulcan cannon with the SeaRAM 11-cell RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile launcher. The SeaRam uses the same sensor dome as the Phalanx. This was the first time the close-range ship defense system was paired with an Aegis ship. All four ships to receive the upgrade were either Flight I or II, meaning they originally had two Phalanx CIWS systems when launched.[7]

Service history

[edit]

2010s

[edit]

On 24 February 2012, Donald Cook was awarded the 2011 Battle Efficiency "E" award.[8] On 9 April 2014, U.S. military officials confirmed the deployment of Donald Cook to the Black Sea,[9] shortly after Russia's annexation of Crimea and amid the pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Defense's official statement said that the vessel's mission was "to reassure NATO allies and Black Sea partners of America’s commitment to strengthen and improve interoperability, while working towards mutual goals in the region".[10] On 10 April 2014, the warship was reported to have entered the Black Sea.[citation needed] On 12 April 2014, an unarmed Russian Su-24 "Fencer" strike aircraft made 12 close-range passes of Donald Cook during a patrol of the western Black Sea.[11][12] According to an allegation by a Pentagon spokesman, "The aircraft did not respond to multiple queries and warnings from Donald Cook, and the event ended without incident after approximately 90 minutes." Further, Donald Cook is more than capable of defending herself against a pair of Su-24s.[13] In 2014, Russia's state-run news-media outlets ran a series of reports that falsely asserted that during that incident, the Su-24, equipped with the Khibiny electronic warfare system, had disabled the ship's Aegis combat systems. The misinformation was later picked up by British tabloid The Sun and by Fox News, and later reported as Russian propaganda by The New York Times.[14]

On 14 April 2014, Donald Cook visited Constanta, Romania, where President Traian Băsescu had a tour of the ship. Donald Cook then conducted various exercises in concert with the Romanian Navy before departing the Black Sea on 24 April 2014.[15] On 26 December 2014, for the second time, according to the U.S. Navy, the destroyer entered the Black Sea to reassure and demonstrate U.S. commitment to work closely with NATO allies.[16] Donald Cook participated in exercises with the Turkish Navy, including an underway replenishment and other exercises with the Yavuz-class frigate TCG Fatih on 28 December 2014. The ship visited Constanta, Romania, on 30 December and Varna, Bulgaria, on 8 January 2015. She also participated in exercises with Ukrainian Navy ship Hetman Sahaydachniy on 11 January 2015, and then departed the Black Sea on 14 January 2015.[17]

A Russian Sukhoi Su-24 attack aircraft makes a very-low-altitude pass by USS Donald Cook on 12 April 2016.
Video released by the US Navy of the encounter with the Sukhoi Su-24

On 11 and 12 April 2016, two Russian Su-24s performed several low-altitude passes on Donald Cook while the ship was conducting exercises with a Polish helicopter in international waters in the Baltic Sea, 70 nautical miles (130 km; 81 mi) off Kaliningrad. A Russian Ka-27 "Helix" antisubmarine helicopter also circled the destroyer seven times. The U.S. Navy released photos and videos of the incident on 14 April, and the U.S. government lodged a complaint with the Russian government.[18][19] In response to the U.S. Secretary of State commenting on the incident and saying that "under the rules of engagement, that could have been a shoot-down",[20] the Russian Federation Council's official Igor Morozov said that the U.S. likewise "ought to know that Donald Cook approached our borders and may already be unable to depart those."[citation needed] On 26 February 2019, the ship hosted U.S. diplomats Gordon Sondland, Marie Yovanovitch, Kurt Volker, the EU's Jean Christophe-Belliard, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, among others.[21]

2020s

[edit]

On 23 February 2020, the ship entered the Black Sea, marking the seventh time a U.S. ship had entered the sea in 2020. While in the Black Sea, the ship conducted routine maritime security operations.[22] USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) departed Naval Station Norfolk on 26 March, to replace Donald Cook as one of the forward destroyers located in Rota, Spain. Donald Cook's new homeport was to be Naval Station Mayport.[23]

Homeport at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida

On 25 April 2022, the ship returned to Mayport after a three-month deployment.[24]

On 12 June 2024, USS Donald Cook along with USS Truxtun, USS Delbert D. Black, Coast Guard cutter Stone, and a Boeing P-8 maritime patrol aircraft were deployed to track a Russian naval flotilla sailing less than 30 miles off the coast of Key Largo, Florida. The flotilla was expected to arrive the same day in Havana, Cuba for naval and air exercises.[25]

Donald Cook in Batumi, Georgia, February 2021.

Coat of arms

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Shield

[edit]

The shield has background of dark blue with a light-blue trim. A reversed star hangs above a gauntlet hoisting a broken chain and crossing sword. Missiles surround the shield.

The traditional Navy colors were chosen for the shield because dark blue and gold represent the sea and excellence, respectively. Red is also included to signify valor and sacrifice. The armoured gauntlet holding a broken chain represents Colonel Cook's gallantry and indomitable spirit in captivity as a prisoner of war to the Viet Cong. He put the interests of his comrades before his own life. The crossed swords denote spirit and teamwork, as well as U.S. Navy and Marine Corps heritage. The U.S. Marine Corps officers' Mameluke sword is representative of Colonel Cook's Marine service. The light-blue upside-down star symbolizes the Medal of Honor Cook earned for his spirit, sacrifice, and heroism.

Crest

[edit]

The crest consists of an eagle surrounded by red tridents.

The eagle is symbolic to the principles of freedom which our country was founded, highlighting military vigilance and national defense. The trident represents sea power and her AEGIS firepower which brings the capability of conducting operations in multi threat environments.

Motto

[edit]

The motto is written on a scroll of gold that has a red reverse side.

The ships motto is "Faith without Fear". The motto is a reference to both the honorable feats of Colonel Cook and the Medal of Honor he received.

Seal

[edit]

The coat of arms in full color as in the blazon, upon a white background enclosed within a dark blue oval border edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the inscription "USS DONALD COOK" at the top and "DDG 75" in the base all gold.

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

USS Donald Cook

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) is a Flight II Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided-missile destroyer of the United States Navy, named for Marine Corps Colonel Donald G. Cook (1934–1967), the only service member to receive the Medal of Honor while a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War for refusing early release and aiding fellow captives. Commissioned on December 4, 1998, after construction by Bath Iron Works, the 509-foot vessel displaces approximately 8,300 tons fully loaded, accommodates a crew of about 336 personnel, and is equipped for multi-mission operations including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface strike via systems like the Aegis combat suite, vertical launch systems, and Tomahawk missiles. Homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, since 2021 following prior forward basing in Rota, Spain, the destroyer has conducted extensive deployments to the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Arctic regions, participating in NATO exercises such as Dynamic Manta and supporting allied carrier strike groups to enhance maritime security and deterrence. Its operational history underscores capabilities in high-threat environments, including rapid response to regional tensions and interoperability demonstrations with partner navies.

Construction and commissioning

Keel laying, launch, and christening

The keel of USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) was laid down on 9 July 1996 at in , initiating the physical assembly of the hull for this Arleigh Burke-class . This milestone involved the ceremonial placement of the ship's foundational plate, a standard procedure in naval to symbolize the commencement of structural fabrication using prefabricated modules. The ship was launched on 3 May 1997, entering the water for the first time after approximately ten months of intensive construction at the shipyard. On the same day, the christening ceremony occurred, performed by Laurette Cook, the widow of Donald G. Cook, the ship's namesake. The event adhered to naval tradition, involving the breaking of a bottle of champagne against the hull to invoke safe passage and honor the honoree's legacy. USS Donald Cook bears the name of Marine Corps Colonel Donald G. Cook (1934–1967), who received the posthumously for his actions during captivity as a in from 1964 until his death in 1967. Captured after his unit was overrun, Cook repeatedly declined offers of early release or preferential treatment, instead distributing his rations and medical supplies to fellow prisoners and maintaining morale through leadership despite severe privations, including and that contributed to his demise. His conduct exemplified unyielding adherence to the military , prioritizing collective resilience over personal survival.

Commissioning and initial shakedown

The USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) was formally commissioned into service on December 4, 1998, during a ceremony held at Pier in , . This event marked the transition of the Arleigh Burke-class from pre-commissioning unit status to an active fleet asset, with approximately 10,000 attendees witnessing the proceedings that included traditional naval rites such as the reading of the commissioning directive and the raising of the ensign. Following the commissioning, Donald Cook transited to its initial homeport at , , arriving in mid-December 1998 for holiday leave and initial upkeep periods extending into January 1999. Shakedown operations commenced in early 1999, encompassing sea trials off the U.S. East Coast to assess propulsion, navigation, and combat systems integrity under operational conditions, including evaluations of the weapon system integration. These trials verified the ship's structural seaworthiness and baseline performance metrics, identifying minor adjustments prior to full certification. Crew training during this phase emphasized combat systems grooming, damage control drills, and certifications for multi-mission capabilities such as anti-air warfare and surface operations, culminating in preparations for a post-shakedown availability in May 1999. Integration into the U.S. Atlantic Fleet followed, with the ship achieving initial operational readiness by mid-1999, enabling assignment to Surface Force Atlantic units for subsequent fleet exercises. This period underscored the destroyer's design emphasis on rapid deployment versatility, though early reports noted routine teething issues common to new Aegis platforms, resolved through targeted maintenance.

Design and capabilities

Baseline Arleigh Burke-class features

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), feature a displacement of approximately 9,200 tons at full load, with an overall of 509 feet (155 ), a beam of 66 feet (20 ), and a draft of 31 feet (9.4 ). Propulsion is provided by four LM2500-30 gas turbines delivering 100,000 shaft horsepower to two shafts, enabling speeds in excess of 30 knots. The baseline crew complement consists of about 23 officers and 300 enlisted personnel, supporting sustained operations across multiple warfare domains. These vessels serve as multi-mission guided-missile destroyers optimized for anti-air warfare (AAW), (ASuW), (ASW), and land-attack missions, enabling independent or integrated operations with carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious forces. The design prioritizes versatility to address evolving post-Cold War threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, submarines, and surface combatants, while incorporating cost-effective advancements over prior Aegis-equipped cruisers. This multi-domain capability stems from integrated systems that allow simultaneous engagement of diverse targets, reflecting naval requirements for flexible, high-endurance surface combatants in contested environments. Survivability is enhanced through all-steel construction, which provides structural integrity superior to aluminum predecessors, and advanced damage control measures derived from operational lessons, including compartmentalization and automated firefighting systems. Stealth elements, such as sloped hull surfaces and a raked tripod mainmast, reduce radar cross-section compared to earlier destroyer classes, minimizing detectability in high-threat scenarios. These features align with post-Cold War emphases on attrition-resistant platforms capable of operating closer to adversaries without relying solely on air superiority.

Armament and missile systems

The USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), as an Arleigh Burke-class Flight I , features two Mk 41 Mod 0 vertical launching systems (VLS) with a total capacity of 90 cells, enabling the deployment of multiple missile types for offensive strike and defensive operations. These cells accommodate BGM-109 land-attack cruise missiles for long-range precision strikes against ground targets, providing capabilities over 1,000 nautical miles. They also support RIM-66/67 Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) and RIM-174 Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) for medium- to extended-range surface-to-air defense against aircraft and missiles, with SM-6 offering multi-mission versatility including . Additionally, the VLS can launch RUM-139 Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets (VLA) or the legacy RUM-139 ASROC for , delivering Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mk 54 torpedoes to engage submerged threats at ranges up to 10-20 nautical miles. This modular loadout allows flexible mission adaptation, with the 90-cell capacity supporting saturation firepower for overwhelming enemy defenses in high-threat environments. For , the ship mounts two Mk 141 quad launchers carrying eight anti-ship missiles, each with a range exceeding 67 nautical miles and for engaging enemy vessels. Close-in defense is provided by two Mk 15 Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), 20 mm Gatling guns with radar-guided 4,500-round-per-minute fire rates for intercepting incoming missiles or aircraft at ranges under 2 nautical miles. Surface gunfire support includes one Mk 45 Mod 2 5-inch/54-caliber gun, capable of firing 16-20 rounds per minute at targets up to 13 nautical miles distant with high-explosive, illumination, or guided precision munitions. Anti-submarine armament extends beyond VLS with two Mk 32 triple-tube launchers for Mk 46 lightweight torpedoes, which achieve speeds over 40 knots and depths beyond 1,000 feet for homing on submerged targets. These systems collectively enhance the destroyer's role in multi-domain operations, balancing offensive reach with layered point defense to protect carrier strike groups or project force independently.

Sensors, radar, and Aegis integration

The USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), as an Arleigh Burke-class Flight I , integrates the (ACS) Baseline 5, which fuses the AN/SPY-1D multi-function phased-array radar with command-and-decision elements, weapon control systems, and display consoles to enable automated detection, tracking, and engagement of multiple air and surface threats across a 360-degree field of regard. The AN/SPY-1D, a (PESA) operating in the S-band, provides three-dimensional air search capabilities with a reported detection range exceeding 300 kilometers against aircraft-sized targets and the ability to simultaneously track more than 100 objects while guiding missiles via illumination radars like the AN/SPG-62. This integration supports real-time threat prioritization and response, allowing the ship to maintain continuous surveillance and execute simultaneous intercepts without manual intervention, thereby enhancing causal effectiveness in contested environments by reducing reaction times to seconds. For (ASW), Donald Cook employs the AN/SQS-53C hull-mounted suite, a variable-depth active/passive system capable of detecting submerged threats at ranges up to several tens of kilometers depending on environmental conditions, complemented by the AN/SQR-19 tactical (TACTAS) for long-range passive acoustic surveillance of . The SQS-53C's bow-mounted facilitates high-resolution active pings for target localization and , while the towed SQR-19 extends detection envelopes by streaming a linear behind the ship to capture low-frequency signatures, enabling persistent underwater threat monitoring that informs and deployments. These systems interface with the ship's for fused sensor data, supporting layered ASW responses that leverage acoustic propagation models for accurate threat geometry in dynamic ocean conditions. Networked operations are facilitated by the Link-16 , implemented via (JTIDS) terminals, which permits secure, jam-resistant sharing of real-time tracks, , and engagement orders with allied ships, aircraft, and shore facilities in a (CEC) framework. This interoperability extends the ship's sensor horizon beyond its organic radars and sonars, allowing distributed kills where Donald Cook can detect, designate, and cue weapons from remote platforms, thereby amplifying collective defense effectiveness against coordinated threats.

Upgrades and modernization

Ballistic missile defense enhancements

In November 2009, the Missile Defense Agency announced plans to upgrade USS Donald Cook during fiscal year 2012, enabling the integration of RIM-161 Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptors as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system. This enhancement equipped the destroyer with the ability to perform exo-atmospheric intercepts of short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their midcourse phase, leveraging the missile's kinetic kill vehicle for direct-impact destruction outside the atmosphere. The upgrade involved modifications to the vertical launch system to accommodate SM-3 Block IA missiles, alongside software updates to the Aegis combat system for enhanced target discrimination and fire control against separating warheads. The BMD capabilities were validated through operational testing, including the Formidable Shield exercise on October 15, 2017, where Donald Cook successfully detected, tracked, and intercepted a surrogate using an SM-3 interceptor, demonstrating integration with allies' sensors and command networks. This test confirmed the ship's proficiency in engaging realistic threats under multi-domain conditions, with the BMD software providing simultaneous air and against complex salvos. Further certifications post-upgrade ensured compatibility with forward-based architectures, allowing Donald Cook to contribute to layered defenses without requiring proximity to launch sites. As the first Aegis-equipped destroyer forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, in February 2014, Donald Cook bolstered NATO's European Phased Adaptive Approach by providing mobile, sea-based sensors and interceptors to counter ballistic missile threats from rogue actors such as Iran or North Korea. This positioning extended deterrence coverage over Europe, emphasizing defensive posture through persistent patrols in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, while integrating with ground-based systems like those in Romania and Poland for cueing and engagement handoff. The enhancements prioritized empirical threat neutralization over offensive operations, aligning with U.S. commitments to alliance collective defense amid asymmetric proliferation risks.

Other technological improvements

The USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), as an Arleigh Burke-class Flight II destroyer, received upgrades through the Navy's Modernization Program (AMP), initiated in 2007, which enhanced the ship's computing architecture and software integration for superior threat detection and response across multiple mission areas. These modifications included transitions to Advanced Capability Builds (ACBs), enabling open-system architectures that facilitate rapid software insertions and improved processor performance for real-time data fusion from sensors. By fiscal year 2015, such updates had been applied fleet-wide to early-flight ships like DDG-75, prioritizing enhanced capabilities and reduced latency in engaging airborne threats without compromising anti-submarine or functions. Further sustainment efforts incorporated hardware refreshes via Technology Insertion (TI) packages, such as TI-16, which upgraded components for displays, servers, and networking to boost system reliability and maintainability. Navy reports indicate these enhancements achieved over 95% operational availability in post-upgrade evaluations for similar platforms, reflecting incremental improvements in electronic warfare resilience and cooperative engagement with allied assets through data links. Alignment with broader DDG-51 modernization sustains the ship's relevance into the 2030s by integrating modular electronics that support future seeker upgrades for legacy missiles, without altering core hull or propulsion systems.

Operational history

Early deployments and exercises (1998-2009)

Following commissioning in December 1998, USS Donald Cook conducted post-shakedown workups and integrated training in the Atlantic, including operations alongside the USS George Washington (CVN-73) carrier battle group and the USS Saipan (LHA-2) amphibious ready group in early 2000 to certify multi-mission capabilities in surface, air, and subsurface warfare scenarios. These exercises emphasized Aegis system interoperability and strike group coordination, preparing the destroyer for forward operations. On June 21, 2000, Donald Cook departed for its maiden deployment as part of the battle group, transiting the Atlantic to the on July 5–6 before entering the Arabian Gulf for patrols. In the Gulf, the ship performed over 40 vessel queries and 13 boardings to enforce sanctions and counter smuggling, while hosting a Kuwaiti and coordinating with multiple battle groups; it also responded to the October 12 USS Cole bombing in as the second U.S. vessel on scene, delivering medical aid, repair materials, and logistical support to the damaged . In August 2001, Donald Cook participated in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 01-2 off the U.S. East Coast as opposition forces simulating peer threats against the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) carrier strike group, validating integrated air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and Tomahawk missile employment under contested conditions. Through the mid-2000s, the destroyer conducted routine Mediterranean patrols and theater security cooperation missions under U.S. Sixth Fleet, including port visits to Souda Bay, Greece, by mid-2007 to support NATO interoperability and regional presence. In April 2009, it joined UNITAS Gold exercises off Florida, executing a live-fire sinking exercise to demonstrate anti-surface warfare proficiency against surrogate targets.

Forward-deployed operations in Europe (2010-2021)

In 2014, USS Donald Cook transitioned to a forward-deployed status at , , as one of the initial U.S. destroyers assigned to Forward Deployed Naval Forces- (FDNF-E) under , 65, to provide rapid-response and enhance deterrence in the European theater. This basing supported the European Phased Adaptive Approach, enabling persistent presence for air and against regional threats, including Iranian and Russian capabilities. Over seven years, the destroyer executed 11 FDNF-E patrols, logging extensive operational tempo with transits across the Mediterranean, , and to reassure allies and demonstrate Article 5 commitment amid Russian territorial assertiveness following the 2014 Crimea annexation. Missions emphasized multilateral exercises, such as joint air defense drills with airborne assets including U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft, Canadian CF-188 fighters, and E-3A AWACS, conducted during operations. Notable Black Sea engagements included a November 23, 2020, transit from the Mediterranean to partner with forces on maritime security and interoperability, marking one of multiple annual U.S. naval entries to counterbalance Russian dominance. A subsequent January 23, 2021, northbound transit facilitated Turkish-U.S. joint exercises, including live-fire and tactical maneuvers with the Turkish frigate TCG Yıldız. In the Baltic, the ship entered on April 11, 2020, post a U.K.-led course, contributing to 's Enhanced Forward Presence through integrated destroyer operations with allied surface and subsurface units. Port visits to allies like Romania's Constanța facilitated logistics and training, while engagements in Georgia supported regional stability through bilateral naval cooperation, underscoring the destroyer's role in sustaining high-readiness deterrence without fixed U.S. bases in . These activities, spanning 13 countries and numerous underway replenishments, maintained persistent forward presence to credibly signal U.S. resolve against expansionist pressures.

Return to U.S. waters and recent activities (2021-present)

Following the completion of its eleventh and final Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol on April 28, 2021, USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) conducted additional operations, including presence missions in the Black Sea earlier that year, before concluding its FDNF-E assignment. The Arleigh Burke-class departed , —its forward base since 2014—for the last time as an FDNF-E asset on June 30, 2021, transiting to its new permanent homeport at , . It arrived in Mayport on July 18, 2021, marking the end of over seven years of forward-deployed operations in . On January 21, 2022, USS Donald Cook departed Mayport for a three-month surge deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and exercises in support of U.S. and objectives. The deployment emphasized interoperability with allies amid heightened regional tensions. The ship returned to on April 25, 2022. Since repatriation, USS Donald Cook has focused on Atlantic operations within the U.S. 2nd Fleet area, including joint activities with U.S. assets such as a tri-party exercise with on June 8, 2024. In June 2024, the conducted routine transits and vessel identifications in the western Atlantic, steaming actively through the month to maintain readiness. By July 2025, U.S. Surface Forces Atlantic (SURFLANT) statements underscored the ship's enhanced lethality, operational readiness, and contributions to sea power projection, with port visits such as to on July 2 for Independence Day events demonstrating public engagement and warfighting posture.

Notable incidents

Russian aircraft encounters (2014-2021)

On April 12, 2014, a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer conducted multiple low-altitude passes near USS Donald Cook in the Black Sea, approaching as close as 1,000 yards at 100 feet altitude. The U.S. Navy described the maneuvers as provocative but noted the ship maintained full operational capability throughout, contradicting Russian claims of electronic warfare disruption that allegedly disabled the destroyer's systems. Russian sources propagated narratives of an "electronic bomb" rendering the Aegis-equipped vessel inoperable, though forensic analysis later identified these as unsubstantiated information operations rather than verified events. In April 2016, while operating in the , USS Donald Cook encountered aggressive Russian aircraft maneuvers, including a Ka-27 circling the ship seven times at low altitude and pairs of Su-24 Fencers executing simulated attack passes as low as 30 feet. The U.S. characterized these as unsafe and unprofessional, violating safety standards for air operations near vessels, and lodged a formal . Russian officials defended the flights as routine in international airspace, asserting no violations occurred and framing U.S. complaints as overreactions to legitimate military activity. On January 31, 2021, a Russian Su-24 conducted a low pass over USS Donald Cook in the Black Sea, accompanied by Su-30SM fighters and a Ka-27 helicopter, all operating in . The reported the encounters as unsafe due to proximity but confirmed no weapons were fired and the destroyer adhered to international norms. Russian forces maintained the operations were standard patrols without breaching .

Operational challenges and responses

During its forward-deployed tenure in Rota, Spain, from 2014 to 2021, USS Donald Cook encountered logistical challenges inherent to overseas operations, including extended supply chains for parts and specialized repairs, which can prolong downtime compared to stateside facilities. The U.S. Navy addressed these through the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) in Rota, which managed incremental availabilities for the ship and its sister destroyers. In fiscal year 2020, Donald Cook completed its availability ahead of schedule, enabling the center to finish all four planned FY20 shipyard periods on time and enhancing fleet uptime amid high operational tempo. A specific engineering response involved repairing the ship's port using a dry habitat enclosure, deployed by contract welder-divers to create a breathable underwater workspace. This technique allowed structural fixes without requiring a full dry-dock haul-out, reducing potential operational interruptions and demonstrating adaptive protocols for hull and on deployed assets. Following repatriation to in June 2021, Donald Cook commenced its first major post-deployment availability to rectify wear from years of European patrols, including targeted regular assessments (TRAVs) that the crew executed alongside routine upkeep. Such periods, aligned with Arleigh Burke-class service life extensions, focused on causal improvements like reinforced certifications and fleet response training, yielding no major safety incidents or losses relative to peer destroyers. The ship's empirical record reflects resilient adaptations, with maintenance protocols prioritizing rapid turnaround—evident in early post-commissioning overhauls in 1999 and subsequent cycles—ensuring sustained deployability without systemic failures.

Heraldry and symbolism

Shield design

The shield of USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) employs a dark blue field, signifying the maritime domain and adhering to traditional U.S. color conventions. Gold accents represent resolve and excellence, while red elements evoke valor and sacrifice. A reversed star occupies the center, denoting the posthumously awarded to Donald G. Cook on May 16, 1980, for his extraordinary heroism as a in from December 31, 1964, to his death on December 7, 1967. Two gold tridents, crossed at the base, flank the star, symbolizing naval . Accompanying lightning flashes emphasize the ship's readiness for . The design, approved under U.S. military standards by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, integrates these elements to honor the namesake's legacy and the destroyer's multi-mission capabilities.

Crest elements

The crest of USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) consists of a bald eagle's head proper displayed overall, with two trident heads pilewise gules issuing from a wreath argent and azure. The bald eagle symbolizes the foundational principles of freedom, military vigilance, and national defense of the United States. The trident heads represent sea power, emphasizing the ship's Aegis system's advanced firepower and capacity to engage multiple threats simultaneously. These elements integrate into the official seal to embody the destroyer's role in naval maritime dominance and readiness.

Motto and seal

The motto of USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) is "Faith Without Fear", inscribed on a scroll edged in beneath the ship's . This phrase originated as G. Cook's personal during his as a in from 1964 to 1967, where it sustained his resistance against communist indoctrination efforts. The ship's adoption of the motto honors Cook's demonstrated courage, conviction, and devotion to amid extreme adversity, as posthumously recognized by his for refusing early release and protecting fellow prisoners. It underscores the naval of resolute without , aligning with the destroyer's multi-mission in high-threat environments. The official seal of USS Donald Cook comprises the full-color —integrating the heraldic and crest—encircled by a white oval background with a dark blue border adorned in gold rope. Inscribed above the emblem is "USS DONALD COOK" and below "DDG 75", rendering it suitable for official correspondence, unit , and ceremonial purposes. This standardized design, approved per U.S. protocols, promotes unit identity and cohesion by visually encapsulating the ship's legacy, operational capabilities, and Marine-Navy heritage without extraneous symbolism.

References

  1. https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/USS-Donald-Cook-DDG-75/About-Us/Namesake/
  2. https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/donald-g-cook
  3. https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/USS-Donald-Cook-DDG-75/About-Us/
  4. https://www.navysite.de/dd/ddg75.htm
  5. https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/USS-Donald-Cook-DDG-75/Welcome/
  6. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2682408/uss-donald-cook-concludes-time-as-fdnf-e-asset/
  7. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2522211/uss-donald-cook-supports-charles-de-gaulle-carrier-strike-group/
  8. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2535118/nato-led-anti-submarine-warfare-exercise-dynamic-manta-concludes/
  9. https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/USS-Donald-Cook-DDG-75/History/
  10. https://www.gdbiw.com/ship/donald-cook/
  11. http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg75history.htm
  12. http://combatindex.com/hardware/detail/sea/ddg75_data.html
  13. https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/ddg/DDG-75-USS-Donald-Cook.htm
  14. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/d/donald-cook-ddg-75/pdfs/1999.pdf
  15. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/ddg-75.htm
  16. https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169871/destroyers-ddg-51/
  17. https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/ddg/Arleigh-Burke-class.htm
  18. https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/Destroyer-Ship-Class-DDG-Info-Page/
  19. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/ddg-51.htm
  20. https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/burke/
  21. https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/ship/docs/ArleighB.htm
  22. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/d/donald-cook-ddg-75/pdfs/1996-98.pdf
  23. https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/defense-systems/anspy-1-radar/
  24. https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/USS-Donald-Cook-DDG-75/Mission/
  25. https://savage.nps.edu/Savage/ShipsMilitary/DDGArleighBurkeUnitedStates/FASDDG51.htm
  26. https://navalpost.com/greyhound-u-s-navy-asw-task-group/
  27. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2000/january/naval-systems-commercial-data-link-processors
  28. https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/News-Display/Article/1939531/uss-donald-cook-ddg-75-launches-missile-during-exercise-formidable-shield-2017/
  29. https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-defense-systems-2/missile-defense-intercept-test-record/u-s-missile-defense-intercept-test-record/
  30. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_106997.htm
  31. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/natosource/nato-s-new-frontier/
  32. https://news.usni.org/2015/06/10/document-report-to-congress-on-aegis-ballistic-missile-defense
  33. https://news.usni.org/2014/06/03/navy-altered-destroyer-upgrade-plan-due-budget-pressure-demand-ships
  34. https://news.usni.org/2015/03/03/navy-again-reduces-scope-of-destroyer-modernization-5-ships-wont-receive-any-ballistic-missile-defense-upgrades
  35. https://news.usni.org/2018/06/25/surface-combatants-get-faster-block-upgrades-future
  36. https://www.uscarriers.net/ddg75history.htm
  37. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/d/donald-cook-ddg-75/pdfs/2000.pdf
  38. https://www.barksdale.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000583411/
  39. https://news.usni.org/2021/07/19/destroyer-uss-donald-cook-arrives-in-florida-after-7-years-in-europe
  40. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_107082.htm
  41. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2599207/uss-donald-cook-completes-eleventh-and-final-fdnf-e-patrol/
  42. https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/Article/2682347/uss-donald-cook-concludes-time-as-fdnf-e-asset/
  43. https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/Article/2431748/us-warship-uss-donald-cook-completes-black-sea-patrol/
  44. https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/Article/2424135/us-navy-warship-uss-donald-cook-enters-the-black-sea/
  45. https://www.eucom.mil/article/41045/us-navy-conducts-interoperability-with-nato-in-the-black-sea
  46. https://www.eucom.mil/article/41102/us-navy-and-turkish-navy-conduct-joint-exercises-in-the-black-sea
  47. https://shape.nato.int/news-archive/2020/us-destroyers-conduct-operations-with-nato-allies-in-the-baltic-and-black-seas
  48. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2501888/uss-donald-cook-concludes-black-sea-operations/
  49. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/04/27/uss-donald-cook-wraps-up-surge-deployment-to-6th-fleet/
  50. https://www.usff.navy.mil/press-room/news-stories/article/3009591/uss-donald-cook-returns-to-naval-station-mayport/
  51. https://www.facebook.com/US2ndFleet/posts/uss-donald-cook-joins-the-tri-party-uss-donald-cook-ddg-75-joined-uscgc-stone-wm/880555907447063/
  52. https://www.instagram.com/p/C84mpRGta3B/?hl=en
  53. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMQ98RsCdzK/?hl=en
  54. https://www.facebook.com/SURFLANT/posts/uss-donald-cook-ddg-75-arrives-in-boston-for-independence-day-the-arleigh-burke-/1145481090943771/
  55. https://www.facebook.com/SURFLANT/posts/uss-donald-cook-ddg-75-showing-what-it-means-to-be-ready-on-arrival-to-fight-and/1158109666347580/
  56. https://news.usni.org/2014/04/14/russian-fighter-buzzes-u-s-destroyer-black-sea
  57. https://www.voanews.com/a/russian-mystry-weapon-claim-seen-as-sign-of-military-weakness/3834792.html
  58. https://www.defenseone.com/defense-systems/2017/05/fake-russian-ew-attack-unmasked/189806/
  59. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2256845/us-navy-ship-encounters-aggressive-russian-aircraft-in-baltic-sea/
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  61. https://eng.globalaffairs.ru/articles/learning-lessons-of-donald-cook/
  62. https://www.twz.com/39026/u-s-navy-deploys-two-destroyers-to-black-sea-triggering-russian-anti-ship-drills
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  64. https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/Article-View/Article/2366455/uss-donald-cook-completes-availability-ahead-of-schedule/
  65. https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/Images/igphoto/2002497935/
  66. https://seapowermagazine.org/uss-donald-cook-returns-to-mayport-after-surge-deployment/
  67. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2238764/uss-donald-cook-departs-navsta-rota-resumes-8th-fdnf-patrol/
  68. http://www.navysite.de/dd/ddg75.htm
  69. https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/PageFlow.aspx?CategoryId=28&grp=5&menu=Uniformed%20Services
  70. https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/USS-Donald-Cook-DDG-75/About-Us/Crest/
  71. https://blog.usni.org/posts/2015/09/04/faith-without-fear
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