Intro
Discover the fascinating history of the USS Donald Cook, a US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Learn about its construction, notable deployments, and role in global military operations. Uncover 5 intriguing facts about this advanced warship, from its combat capabilities to its state-of-the-art technology and impressive service record.
The USS Donald Cook is a United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that has been in service since 1998. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Donald Cook, the ship has played a significant role in various naval operations and has been involved in several notable incidents. Here are five interesting facts about the USS Donald Cook:
Fact 1: Design and Capabilities
The USS Donald Cook is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, designed to perform a variety of tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, and anti-surface warfare. The ship is equipped with advanced radar systems, including the AN/SPY-1D(V) phased array radar, and is armed with a range of missiles, including the Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM).
Ship Specifications
- Length: 509 feet (155 meters)
- Beam: 59 feet (18 meters)
- Draft: 30 feet (9 meters)
- Displacement: 9,000 tons
- Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h)
- Crew: 300 officers and enlisted personnel
Fact 2: Service History
The USS Donald Cook has been involved in several notable operations throughout its service history. In 2003, the ship participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing gunfire support to coalition forces. In 2011, the USS Donald Cook was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn, a NATO-led operation to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya.
Notable Deployments
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003)
- Operation Odyssey Dawn (2011)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-2015)
- NATO's Standing Maritime Group 2 (2019)
Fact 3: Encounters with Russian Forces
The USS Donald Cook has been involved in several high-profile encounters with Russian forces in recent years. In 2014, the ship was buzzed by a Russian Su-24 Fencer aircraft in the Black Sea, with the pilot reportedly flying as close as 1,000 feet (300 meters) from the ship. In 2016, the USS Donald Cook was again approached by Russian Su-24s in the Baltic Sea, with the aircraft reportedly flying as close as 30 feet (9 meters) from the ship.
Incidents with Russian Forces
- Black Sea incident (2014)
- Baltic Sea incident (2016)
Fact 4: Ballistic Missile Defense Capabilities
The USS Donald Cook is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, a advanced radar and missile defense system designed to detect and intercept ballistic missiles. The ship has participated in several ballistic missile defense exercises and has been deployed to the Middle East as part of the United States' ballistic missile defense efforts.
Ballistic Missile Defense Exercises
- Operation Odyssey Dawn (2011)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-2015)
- NATO's Standing Maritime Group 2 (2019)
Fact 5: Homeport and Crew
The USS Donald Cook is homeported at Naval Station Rota, Spain, and is part of Destroyer Squadron 60. The ship's crew consists of approximately 300 officers and enlisted personnel, who are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship.
Crew and Homeport
- Homeport: Naval Station Rota, Spain
- Crew: 300 officers and enlisted personnel
- Destroyer Squadron 60
USS Donald Cook Image Gallery
We hope you found these facts about the USS Donald Cook interesting and informative. The ship's service history and capabilities make it an important part of the United States Navy's fleet. Share your thoughts and comments below!