MOMBASA, Kenya- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Mombasa on Saturday, September 5, for a scheduled port visit, as the United States and Kenya continue their security and maritime cooperation.
The visit is intended to support the U.S.-Kenya security partnership, with both countries sharing interests in regional stability and maritime security.
U.S. Embassy Kenya Chargé d’Affaires Susan M. Burns said the visit reflected the practical strength of the two countries’ partnership and their longstanding cooperation on shared regional interests.
She said established arrangements allowing logistical support for U.S. forces operating in the region, together with port visits such as the one in Mombasa, help sustain ship readiness while providing opportunities for professional engagement between U.S. and Kenyan partners.
The U.S. Navy said access to regional ports such as Mombasa allows its vessels to conduct routine logistics and resupply while remaining prepared to meet mission requirements.
The port call also provides opportunities for the USS Ross crew to interact with the local community and Kenyan maritime partners.
“Team Ross” commanding officer Cmdr. Pia Chapman said the visit offered sailors an opportunity to rest and recharge following their deployment, while thanking Mombasa residents for welcoming the ship.
Kenya is also an annual participant in Exercise Cutlass Express, a U.S.-sponsored multinational maritime-security exercise involving countries in East Africa and the western Indian Ocean.
The exercise focuses on strengthening regional capacity to counter illicit maritime activity.
The U.S. said it remains committed to working with Kenyan partners against shared threats, including al-Shabaab and ISIS.
Ross deployment
The USS Ross deployed in March as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.
The group includes the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Strike Group 10 staff, Carrier Air Wing 7, USS Mason (DDG 87), Destroyer Squadron 22, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and Ross.
Since April, Ross has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, supporting operations in the Middle East, according to the U.S. Navy. The Navy has also said the destroyer is deployed in support of maritime security and stability in the region.
The destroyer is now operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, which covers Europe and Africa and is headquartered in Naples, Italy.
The USS Ross is a multi-mission guided-missile destroyer capable of air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and naval surface fire support.
The ship has a crew of approximately 300 sailors.
