MANAMA, Bahrain (Feb. 1, 2026) – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) departed Eilat, Israel, following a scheduled port visit, Feb. 1.
This port visit demonstrates U.S. and Israel’s strong maritime partnership and shared commitment to advancing security and prosperity in the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea.
“Delbert D. Black’s port visit emphasizes our long-standing partnership with Israel,” said Cmdr. Ezra T. Hatch, commanding officer of Delbert D. Black. “Opportunities like this strengthen relationships and provide a great opportunity for our Sailors to engage in the local community.”
During the visit, crewmembers from Delbert D. Black provided a tour of the ship for senior staff from U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and Israeli Navy, and Delbert D. Black leadership also attended an office call with the commander of Eilat Naval Base.
Commissioned Sept. 26, 2020, Delbert D. Black is named in honor of the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) a legendary enlisted leader who served from 1941 to 1971, through WWII and Vietnam, and established the MCPON role.
The multi-mission guided-missile destroyer is capable of air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, naval surface fire support and surface warfare. The U.S. Navy continues to deliver sea control and power projection, and remains committed to regional maritime security, freedom of navigation, our partners and forward presence.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet is the maritime component of CENTCOM, whose area of responsibility encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 21 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the southern tip of Yemen.