CNN) — Unarmed Russian fighter jets made two extremely close overflights this week of the USS Donald Cook, sailing in the Baltic Sea.
The Cook "encountered multiple, aggressive flight maneuvers by Russian aircraft that were performed within close proximity of the ship," according to a statement by European Command.
"We have deep concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional Russian flight maneuvers," the statement said.
One of the Russian jets flew within 75 feet of the Cook's ship superstructure.
The initial reports indicated the two concerning encounters occurred Tuesday night in international waters. A third overflight, at a more acceptable distance, happened Sunday, according to a U.S. official.
The Navy released video of the incident on YouTube on Wednesday afternoon.
The ship, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, also had a Polish helicopter on board as part of routine training, according to the official, leading to some speculation in military circles that the Russians were also "sending a message to Poland," the official said.
A U.S. official described the Russian maneuver as "strafing runs" without firing any weapons. The unarmed Russian aircraft swooped in over the deck in the same flight profile that would have been used if an attack was underway.
A clear defiance of NATO, a test of U.S. response times, and a possible test-run of Russian attack on flaccid Obama-commanded forces who won't fight back. The constant stand-down of Obama against all threats is basically an invitation to attack the U.S. and its allies.
