USS Donald Cook(DDG-75)

• Namesake: USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) is named after Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Donald G. Cook, a Marine Corps officer who displayed extraordinary heroism as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. • Commissioning: The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer was commissioned on December 4, 1998, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. • First of Her Name: USS Donald Cook is the first U.S. Navy ship to bear the name “Donald Cook.” • Homeport Shift: In 2014, Donald Cook became forward-deployed to Naval Station Rota, Spain, as part of the U.S. Navy’s ballistic missile defense mission in Europe. • Black Sea Incident 2014: In April 2014, while operating in the Black Sea, the ship was overflown by a Russian Su-24 aircraft in a widely publicized incident, highlighting tensions between the U.S. and Russia. • Missile Defense Role: Donald Cook is equipped with the Aegis Combat System and BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense) capability, making it a critical asset for NATO missile defense operations. • First Female CO: In 2011, Commander Lisa Franchetti took command of USS Donald Cook, later becoming the first female Chief of Naval Operations in 2023. • Rescue Operations: The ship has participated in multiple search and rescue operations, including assisting distressed mariners in the Mediterranean Sea. • Operations in Syria: USS Donald Cook played a role in the April 2018 U.S.-led strikes on Syria, launching Tomahawk cruise missiles against chemical weapons facilities. • Unit Awards: The ship has earned numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Navy E Ribbon for excellence.