The USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, from its fourth Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol, according to a press release from the U.S. Navy.
The ship completed its patrol on May 29, 2024, after departing Rota in November 2023 following extensive repairs and upgrades.
During its comprehensive Surface Incremental Availability (SIA), $17.5 million worth of repairs, alterations, and installations were made to the ship’s engineering, weapons, and combat systems.
The ship began its patrol by completing a Mobility-Engineering (MOB-E) certification in the Bay of Cadiz, where it played a key role in the 2023 European Air-Missile Defense Exercise (EAMDEX).
This exercise involved the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Space Force, along with NATO allies.
The ship then transited the Strait of Gibraltar and joined the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG), participating in various operations and exercises. Following this, the Arleigh Burke returned to Rota for inter-patrol Training and Maintenance Availability (TRAV) before redeploying to the eastern Mediterranean Sea in January 2024.
In the eastern Mediterranean, the ship joined the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group (BATARG), demonstrating U.S. Navy capabilities to media outlets including ABC, CBS, and BBC. The Arleigh Burke also participated in the NATO exercise Dynamic Manta, an anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability among Allied nations.
In April, the Arleigh Burke, alongside USS Carney (DDG 64), supported U.S. Central Command in intercepting and destroying multiple UAVs and ballistic missiles targeting Israel.
The ship also conducted escort operations for humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Throughout the patrol, the crew made port visits to Souda Bay, Greece, and Cyprus, hosting dignitaries including U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher and Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet.