SINGAPORE - Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) arrived in Singapore for a regularly scheduled port visit, April 2.
"It is great to be back in the U.S. 7th Fleet and have the ability to visit another port here during deployment, and we couldn't be more excited to be here," said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. "The U.S. and Singapore have a strong navy-to-navy relationship and we look forward to our time in port to continue to build on that connection in many ways."
While in Singapore, the leadership of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) will welcome numerous ship visitors while moored at Changi Naval Base. At the invitation of the U.S. Embassy, there will be ship tours and key leader engagements aboard which enhance mutual understanding and relationships through direct interactions.
During the port visit, Sailors and Marines will volunteer off-duty time to assist local charitable organizations and participate in community relations. Sailors will also have liberty, time to travel around the city, and cultural exchanges during Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored tours.
"U.S. 7th Fleet port calls are both rich tourism opportunities for the crew and important relationship-building opportunities with the host nations," said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, Theodore Roosevelt's commanding officer. "Sailors have an opportunity to get some well-deserved rest and enjoy the vibrant cultures as they continue deployment."
After the scheduled visit, the TRCSG will continue training with allies and partners in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. TRCSG returned to 7th Fleet after successfully completing more than four months in the Arabian Gulf and U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting maritime security, theater security cooperation, and Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel.
The strike group will continue on its regularly-scheduled western Pacific deployment after departing Singapore, conducting a variety of operations, including addressing shared maritime security concerns, building relationships with partner navies and enhancing interoperability and communication with partners and allies throughout the area of operations through exercises and ship visits.
Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of CSG 9, left its homeport of San Diego, Oct. 6 and is currently underway with Bunker Hill, Sampson, USS Halsey (DDG 97), and USS Preble (DDG 88) for a scheduled deployment to U.S. 7th and 5th Fleets. The TRCSG deployment is an example of the U.S. Navy's routine presence in waters around the globe, displaying commitment to stability, regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations.