American Destroyer Completes Barents Sea Patrol
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross conducts a replenishment at sea with USNS Laramie, Oct. 22, 2020. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christine Montgomery )
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Ross departed the Barents Sea, November 1, following 13 days of operation in the High North.
USS Ross entered the Barents Sea on October 19 to conduct training and complete operations in the Arctic environment, supported by Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oiler USNS Laramie, which allowed an uninterrupted supply line for sustained High North operations, the U.S Navy statement reads.
“We are applying lessons learned from previous operations above the Arctic Circle to build on our warfighting readiness in this demanding climate,” said Commander, John D. John, Ross’ commanding officer.
“With maritime traffic density increasing in the area, it is more important than ever that we continue to answer the call to maintain regional stability and freedom of navigation in the Arctic region", he continues.
While operating in the Barents, Ross has conducted sustained operations in the region, further building on communication and navigation capabilities.
“Receiving over 60 pallets during a replenishment-at-sea on a destroyer will have its fair share of challenges, but when you add in the environmental factors in the Barents, it made things a little more difficult,” said Lt. Brandon Birkoski, Ross’ supply officer. “The crew adapted and pushed through the conditions allowing us to receive our cargo without any safety mishaps.”
“Working in such a dynamic environment has been challenging and a unique learning opportunity,” said Aerographer’s Mate 1 Class Robert Logan. “Being in such a data-sparse region, encouraged close coordination between navigation, operations, and communications.”
This marks the third time this year U.S. Navy destroyers have operated in the Barents Sea.