By Magati Obebo
The United States Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ross (DDG 71), has arrived at the Port of Mombasa for a scheduled visit, underscoring the longstanding security partnership between Kenya and the United States.
The warship arrived in Mombasa on September 5, 2026, as the two countries continue to deepen cooperation on regional stability and maritime security.
US Embassy Kenya Chargé d’Affaires Susan M. Burns said the visit demonstrated the practical strength of the US-Kenya security partnership and the two countries’ shared regional interests.
“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,” Burns said.
The US Navy said access to regional ports such as Mombasa enables its forces to maintain operational readiness, undertake routine logistics and resupply, and remain prepared to meet mission requirements.
The visits also provide opportunities for engagement between American sailors and Kenyan partners while supporting economic activity in host communities.
USS Ross commanding officer Cmdr. Pia Chapman said the port call offered the ship’s crew an opportunity to rest and engage with their Kenyan counterparts after a demanding deployment.
“Our Sailors have worked exceptionally hard throughout this deployment, executing with discipline and teamwork,” Chapman said.
She thanked the people of Mombasa for welcoming the crew and said the sailors valued the opportunity to engage with the local community and Kenyan maritime partners.
Kenya is an annual participant in Exercise Cutlass Express, a US-sponsored multinational maritime-security exercise conducted in East Africa and the western Indian Ocean.
The exercise is designed to strengthen the capacity of participating countries to counter illicit maritime activities and enhance cooperation among regional and international maritime-security agencies.
According to the US Navy, Washington remains committed to working with Kenya against shared security threats, including al-Shabaab and Islamic State (ISIS).
The USS Ross has been deployed since March as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. The strike group includes the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, Carrier Strike Group 10 staff, Carrier Air Wing 7, USS Mason, and Destroyer Squadron 22, which includes USS Ross and USS Donald Cook.
Since April, Ross has operated in the US Fifth Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Epic Fury and the US blockade against Iran.
The destroyer is now operating in the US Sixth Fleet area of operations, which is headquartered in Naples, Italy, and conducts joint and naval operations in Europe and Africa, often alongside allied, interagency and partner forces.
The Mombasa visit is expected to further strengthen maritime cooperation between Kenya and the United States, while providing an opportunity for professional exchanges between the two countries’ maritime personnel.
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