The United States Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Mombasa on Saturday for a scheduled port visit, after supporting operation ‘Epic Fury’ against Iran.
The visit comes as the two countries continue to cooperate on regional stability, maritime security and efforts to counter threats posed by militant groups and illicit activities in the region.
US Embassy in Kenya Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns said the arrival of the warship demonstrated the practical strength of the relationship between the two countries.
“This visit reflects the practical strength of the U.S.-Kenya partnership and our long record of working together on shared regional interests,” Burns said.
She said established arrangements between the two countries allow US forces operating in the region to receive logistical support, with port visits providing an opportunity to maintain naval readiness while strengthening professional ties with Kenyan counterparts.
“Our countries maintain established arrangements that enable logistical support for U.S. forces operating in the region, and port visits help sustain ship readiness while also creating opportunities for professional exchanges with our Kenyan partners,” she said.
The US Navy said access to regional ports such as Mombasa enables its vessels to conduct routine logistics and resupply operations while maintaining readiness to respond to mission requirements.
Beyond military objectives, the visits also provide opportunities for interaction with local communities and maritime partners, while supporting economic activity in host areas.
USS Ross Commanding Officer Cmdr. Pia Chapman said the visit would provide sailors with an opportunity to rest after a demanding deployment.
“Our Sailors have worked exceptionally hard throughout this deployment, executing with discipline and teamwork. This port visit provides a well-earned opportunity to rest, recharge and take pride in the professionalism they bring to every mission,” Chapman said.
She expressed appreciation to residents of Mombasa for welcoming the American crew, saying the sailors valued the opportunity to engage with the local community and Kenyan maritime partners.
Kenya and the United States have also worked together through Exercise Cutlass Express, an annual multinational maritime security exercise sponsored by the US in East Africa and the western Indian Ocean.
The exercise seeks to strengthen participating countries’ capacity to address illicit activities at sea and improve maritime security cooperation.
The United States said it remains committed to working with Kenya against common security threats, including al-Shabaab and ISIS.
The latest port visit also comes against the backdrop of USS Ross’ wider operational deployment. Since April, the destroyer has been deployed in the US Fifth Fleet Area of Operations, where it has supported Operation Epic Fury and the US blockade against Iran, according to the statement.
Ross deployed in March as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, which 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, and the destroyers Ross and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75).
Following its operations in the Fifth Fleet area, Ross is now operating in the US Sixth Fleet area of operations.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, the US Sixth Fleet conducts joint and naval operations alongside allies, interagency organisations and partner forces across Europe and Africa.
The US Navy said such engagements are aimed at advancing US interests while promoting security and stability in the two regions.