Donald Cook (DDG-75)
USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1998, it is named after Vice Admiral Donald Cook, a decorated officer who served in World War II and the Korean War.
Key Features:
- Displacement: 9,219 tons
- Length: 505 feet (154 meters)
- Beam: 59 feet (18 meters)
- Draft: 31 feet (9.4 meters)
- Speed: Over 30 knots
- Crew: 330
Armament:
- Standard Missile System: 96 cells for various missiles, including Standard Missile 2, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles.
- Gun System: 5-inch/54 caliber Mark 45 gun
- Close-in Weapon System: Phalanx CIWS
- Torpedoes: Two Mark 32 torpedo tubes
History:
The Donald Cook has been actively involved in numerous operations, including:
- Operation Enduring Freedom: Providing support for the War in Afghanistan.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: Contributing to the invasion of Iraq.
- Counter-piracy operations: In the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
- NATO operations: Supporting missions in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea.
- Mediterranean Sea deployments: Providing naval presence and support in the region.
Notable Events:
- 2014 Russian Incident: In April 2014, the Donald Cook was involved in a high-profile incident with the Russian military in the Baltic Sea. A Russian Su-24 fighter jet made multiple low-altitude passes near the destroyer, prompting speculation about a potential escalation.
Current Status:
As of 2023, the USS Donald Cook remains in active service with the US Navy. It is homeported at Naval Station Rota, Spain, and continues to conduct operations in the European theater.
Legacy:
The USS Donald Cook is a symbol of American naval power and serves as a reminder of the contributions of Vice Admiral Donald Cook to the US military. It continues to fulfill its mission of ensuring maritime security and promoting peace and stability around the world.
