SOUTH CHINA SEA—The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), along with the guided-missile destroyers USS Sampson (DDG 102), sailed in formation with the Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme (FFG 73) and the Victory-class corvette RSS Valiant (PGG 91), April 6.
The event was a traditional naval greeting and training opportunity between partner navies after the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) made a brief port stop in Singapore.
“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 will continue maritime security patrols, presence operations, and training with partners and allies throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The TRCSG returned to the 7th Fleet area of operations 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 is extremely proficient and performing at an exceptional level," said Koehler. "We are prepared to conduct operations in 7th Fleet with the same persistence and flawless execution the strike group exhibited in 5th Fleet."
Roosevelt left its homeport of San Diego, Calif., Oct. 6, for a regularly-scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.
TRCSG consists of the staff of Destroyer Squadron 23 and the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, which includes Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, VFA-94, VFA-22, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.