NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 5 — The US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Ross has arrived in Mombasa for a scheduled port visit after supporting Operation Epic Fury and the US blockade against Iran, bringing a warship with recent Middle East operational experience to Kenya amid continued US-Kenya security cooperation.

📻 Breaking It Down

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Ross (DDG 71), arrived in Mombasa on Saturday, September 5, following its deployment in the US Fifth Fleet area of operations, where the US Navy says it has supported Operation Epic Fury and the US blockade against Iran since April.

The port call is part of a broader US naval presence across the region and is intended to support the ship’s readiness while providing an opportunity for professional engagement with Kenyan maritime partners.

The US Navy did not indicate that the Mombasa visit is linked to Ross’s previous operations in the Middle East.

📌 What You Need to Know

Instead, Washington framed the visit around its longstanding security relationship with Kenya, including cooperation on regional stability, maritime security and countering shared threats such as al-Shabaab and ISIS.

“This visit reflects the practical strength of the U.S.-Kenya partnership and our long record of working together on shared regional interests,” said Susan M. Burns, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Kenya.

Burns said established arrangements between the two countries enable logistical support for US forces operating in the region, with port visits helping sustain naval readiness and facilitating professional exchanges with Kenyan partners.

“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.

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, Carrier Strike Group 10 staff, Carrier Air Wing 7, USS Mason and Destroyer Squadron 22.

The destroyer subsequently operated in the US Fifth Fleet area, supporting Operation Epic Fury and the US blockade against Iran from April.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya