USS Theodore Roosevelt trains with Singapore Navy in South China Sea

After concluding a four-day port call in Singapore, US Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) sailed in formation with the Republic of Singapore Navy ships on April 6 as they got underway to resume operations in the South China Sea.

The Republic of Singapore Navy sent frigate RSS Supreme (FFG 73) and corvette RSS Valiant (PGG 91) to take part in the exercise.

“This passing exercise offered a unique opportunity to further our capabilities to operate with and learn from one another,” said Cmdr. Timothy D. LaBenz, commanding officer of Sampson. “It’s an excellent test for our watchstanders to exercise their flexibility as warfighters and to interact with partner navies in a tactical environment. Sampson is dedicated to ensuring its ability to work together with our allies and deal with common concerns such as disaster relief and safety of sea lanes.”

During the passing exercise, ships from both navies practiced ship handling procedures, communications drills and navigating in several close formations.

“This was a unique opportunity to further our capabilities to operate with and learn from one another,” said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, Theodore Roosevelt’s commanding officer. “We are dedicated to ensuring our ability to work with our allies and deal with common concerns such as disaster relief and safety of sea lanes.”

TRSG continues maritime security patrols, presence operations, and training with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The TRCSG returned to the 7th Fleet area of operations after completing more than four months in the Arabian Gulf and US 5th Fleet area of operations supporting maritime security, theater security cooperation, and operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel.

Roosevelt left its homeport of San Diego, Calif., Oct. 6, for a regularly-scheduled deployment to the US 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operation.