The U.S. and Global Security Review - Blog by Michael Novakhov

Joint exercises put U.S. Navy at Russia's doorstep Sunday April 5 th , 2015  at  6:41 PM 1 Share By Lance M. Bacon, Staff writer  12:50 p.m. EDT April 4, 2015 The destroyer Porter on March 31 conducts divisional tactics maneuvers with the cruiser Anzio to improve ship handling and formation proficiency. The ships are en route to Scotland to participate in Joint Warrior, a semi-annual multinational cooperative training exercise. (Photo: MC2 Abe McNatt/Navy) The Pacific may be a priority, but the Navy is waving a pretty big flag at Russia's front door. The destroyer Jason Dunham entered the Black Sea on April 3 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a series of NATO drills launched more than a year ago. Designed to strengthen security in response to conflict in Ukraine, a number of other ships have participated in the operation, to include the amphibious command ship Mount Whitney, frigate Taylor, cruiser Vella Gulf, and destroyer