About this Unit
USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on December 4, 1998. Named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Donald G. Cook, the ship has participated in numerous operations, including NATO exercises and ballistic missile defense missions in the Mediterranean Sea. Notably, in 2014 and 2016, Donald Cook was involved in high-profile encounters with Russian aircraft in the Baltic Sea, underscoring her role in forward presence and deterrence. The ship continues to serve with the U.S. 6th Fleet, supporting maritime security and alliance commitments in Europe and beyond.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) is named after Marine Corps Colonel Donald G. Cook, a Medal of Honor recipient who died as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for his extraordinary heroism and leadership.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on December 4, 1998, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is the 25th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the U.S. Navy.
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Homeport: In 2014, Donald Cook moved its homeport to Naval Station Rota, Spain, as part of the U.S. Navy’s Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E), enhancing NATO’s ballistic missile defense.
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Black Sea Encounters: In April 2014, while operating in the Black Sea, USS Donald Cook was buzzed by a Russian Su-24 aircraft, an incident that made international headlines and underscored regional tensions.
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Advanced Technology: The destroyer is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, SPY-1D radar, and is capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-3 interceptors, and more.
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Syrian Civil War Operations: USS Donald Cook participated in the U.S.-led missile strike against Syrian regime targets in April 2018, launching Tomahawk missiles in response to chemical weapons use.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship has participated in multiple multinational exercises and humanitarian missions, including search and rescue drills and partnership-building with NATO and allied navies.
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Coat of Arms Symbolism: The ship’s crest features a trident, representing naval power, and a bamboo cross, symbolizing Donald Cook’s captivity in Vietnam.
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Resilience Motto: The ship’s motto, “Faith Without Fear,” is drawn from Colonel Cook’s steadfast leadership and unbreakable spirit in the face of adversity.
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Naval Exercises: USS Donald Cook regularly participates in major exercises like Sea Breeze, Joint Warrior, and BALTOPS, reinforcing interoperability between U.S. and allied forces in European waters.
