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USS Donald Cook to Support NATO Defense Initiative

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS140124-13
Release Date: 1/24/2014 10:17:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam Austin

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- M. Elaine Bunn, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy, visited the guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) today at Naval Station Norfolk to evaluate the ship's missile defense system.

Donald Cook will be changing homeport this month to Rota, Spain in order to support the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA), a NATO defense initiative aimed at protecting Europe and Israel from potential ballistic missile threats.

The ship will play a very important role in deterring potential enemies and defending our allies from ballistic missile threats, said Bunn.
Donald Cook will work with shore-based installations as part of the EPAA to enhance the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, which allows warships to intercept and shoot down incoming enemy ballistic missiles.

'The Secretary of Defense and the President made a commitment to our NATO partners that our contribution to the NATO alliance would include the relocation of additional warships to Rota as well as expanding shore-based Aegis installations in Romania and Poland,' said Bunn.

Four destroyers, including the Donald Cook, will change
homeport to Rota in order to maintain an effective naval presence in the area. The Donald Cook's commanding officer, Cmdr. Scott A. Jones, anticipates that his ship will be a great asset in the new initiative.

'We're one of three destroyers currently equipped with the latest ballistic missile defense capability,' said Jones.

'The ship's crew is currently preparing for the change in homeport. We're trying to complete sea screenings for our sailors as well as moving and advising families on what to expect,' said Jones. We've been preparing this move for a year and a half. We want to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Other visitors to the ship included Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, Commander, Navy Surface Force Atlantic; and Captain John F.G. Wade, Commodore.