Watch: Russian fighter jets buzz Navy destroyer
Russian attack planes buzzed the USS Donald Cook, a U.S. Navy destroyer, in the Baltic Sea coming as close as an estimated 30 feet from the ship officials said.
The Russian Su-24, a supersonic, all-weather attack aircraft, appeared unarmed but flew what the commander of the destroyer deemed to be a simulated attack profile.
The Cook's commander judged the actions unsafe and unprofessional. The ship took no action beyond trying unsuccessfully to communicate with the aircraft by radio, according to a statement by U.S. European Command.
\"As a safety precaution, flight operations were suspended until the Su-24s departed the area,\" it said.
White House press secretary Josh Eaest said the incident was part of a patte of unsafe Russian aircraft action.
\"This incident ... is entirely inconsistent with the professional norms of militaries operating in proximity to each other in inteational waters and inteational airspace,\" Eaest said.
U.S. officials are using diplomatic channels to address the matter. The incidents also are under review by the Navy.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
