The USS Donald Cook encountered "aggressive Russian aircraft" on Monday and Tuesday according to NATO sources, with one fly-by passing within 30 feet (9 meters) of the US ship.
#USNavy's #USSDonaldCook encounters aggressive Russian aircraft in #BalticSea. More to follow. pic.twitter.com/t0uFEfMOoX
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) April 13, 2016
The proximity of the Russian jets caused training operations about the USS Donald Cook to be temporarily suspended for safety reasons.
Video footage seems to back up the claim that the Russian planes were flying in a manner that could easily be described as reckless but which sent a clear message that Russia believes the Baltic is part of its sphere of influence.
#USSDonaldCook encountered multiple, aggressive flight maneuvers by Russian aircraft - https://t.co/kYnMGFTFZrhttps://t.co/vnFeeqTl9T
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) April 13, 2016
"In my judgement these maneuvers in close proximity to Donald Cook are unprofessional and unsafe," said Admiral Mark Ferguson, the US Navy's commander in Europe and Africa.
