The exercises come amid heightened tensions in Ukraine after Russia annexed Crimea and unrest has spread to Ukraine's port city of Odessa. Romania, a staunch U.S. ally and NATO member, is some 300 kilometers(190 miles) from Odessa.
Romania, a staunch U.S. ally and NATO member, is some 300 kilometers(190 miles) from Odessa. The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Donald Cook left the Black sea last month after two weeks of joint military maneuvers and the U.S. frigate USS Taylor is still in the region.