A NATO AWACS aircraft from the NATO base at Geilenkirchen provided surveillance for the air-maritime integration training flying in Romanian. The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and a U.S. Navy P-8 Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft out of Sigonella, Italy conducted integration training in international waters of the Black Sea.

These opportunities strengthen our ability to operate as a joint force and demonstrate our ability to respond to threats, move throughout the European theatre, and protect our NATO Allies

The training mission was part of an ongoing integration of air and maritime units in the U.S. 6th Fleet. The ultimate goal is to refine joint air defence procedures and to enable freedom of navigation in all international air 

and water spaces. The NATO AWACS surveillance was another element showcasing coordinated operations of air and naval capabilities integrating platforms across multiple domains.

“Roosevelt is thrilled to work alongside NATO and our naval aviation teammates as we safely enter for operations in the Black Sea,” said Commander Ryan R. Kendall, commanding officer of Roosevelt. “Just a few days ago, on Sept. 11, we conducted a similar training event in the Adriatic Sea. These opportunities strengthen our ability to operate as a joint force and demonstrate our ability to respond to threats, move throughout the European theatre, and protect our NATO Allies and partners.” 

Roosevelt is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence architecture. The Ballistic Missile Defence Operations Centre at Allied Air Command forms the central hub for this Alliance capability and coordinates the architecture and assets across Europe to protect populations, territory and forces against the full spectrum of missile threats.