US, French military ships transit Dardanelles strait

ÇANAKKALE, Turkey — Military vessels from the American and French navies passed through the Dardanelles strait, early Thursday without informing authorities of their final destination.

The USS Donald Cook entered Dardanelles strait at 7:00 a.m. from the Aegean Sea. The destroyer completed its transit around 8.10 am and continued to the Sea of Marmara.

"The Donald Cook's mission is to reassure NATO allies and Black Sea partners of America's commitment to strengthen and improve interoperability while working towards mutual goals in the region," Army Col. Steven Warren, a U.S. military spokesman said, as quoted on the Department of Defense website.
The 101-meter French vessel "Dupuy de Lome" also entered the strait Thursday morning.