A Russian attack warplane engaged in "provocative action" when it repeatedly buzzed a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer in the western Black Sea on Saturday, U.S. military officials tell NBC News.
According to officials, in a 90-minute encounter, the Russian SU-24 fighter jet made a dozen low passes — ranging from sea level to several thousand feet — near the USS Donald Cook.
The crew aboard the Donald Cook made several attempts to radio the Russian warplane asking the pilot what were his intentions and sending warnings to remain at a safe distance, but the Russian pilot never responded.
The Donald Cook only responded to the Russian jet with radio warnings, and "did not go to battle stations."
Military officials say it appears the plane was not armed with any aerial bombs, but the actions were still in violation of several international protocols.
While military officials consider the incident "provocative and unprofessional," they say the encounter ended without incident.
