USS DONALD COOK is a multi-mission destroyer designed to defend against and, if required, destroy her enemies on the ocean's surface, over land, in the sky, under the waves, and even in space. 
 

The ship is named after Marine Colonel Donald G. Cook, a Prisoner of War during the Vietnam War. Enduring deprivation, exposure, malnutrition, and disease, Col. Cook committed himself to providing inspiration for his fellow prisoners to endure and survive. Col. Cook's dedication to his country and his fellow prisoners resulted in his posthumous awarding of the Medal of Honor. The hard work and professionalism of the men and women of USS DONALD COOK are a testament to her namesake's dedication and the ship's motto, "Faith Without Fear."
 

DONALD COOK is equipped with one of the most advanced naval weapons systems in the world. Aegis, a computerized, quick reaction air and ballistic missile defense system, provides extraordinary capabilities against attacking aircraft and missiles. The heart of the Aegis system is the SPY radar that automatically detects and tracks virtually everything in the air allowing DONALD COOK to identify, evaluate, and engage the enemy with incredible firepower and accuracy.
 

DONALD COOK also has one of the most advanced underwater surveillance systems available today and the capability to land helicopters that can fly out to locate submarines or ships. 
 

DONALD COOK's vertical launching system can launch long-range surface-to-surface Tomahawk cruise missiles, surface-to-air Standard missile variants, and anti-ballistic missile Standard missile variants. The 5-inch gun mount, 20-mm Phalanx mounts, and hull mounted crew-served weapons can engage surface, air, and land targets with precision.
 

Propelled by four powerful, quick response gas turbine (jet) engines to speeds in excess of 30 knots, DONALD COOK is a formidable warship and represents the technology, craftsmanship, and spirit of the American people.