The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) conducted a routine patrol in West Philippine Sea from November 10 to 15. Routine patrols like this one promotes regional security, stability and freedom of the seas, the United States Navy said.
During Fitzgerald’s days in West Philippine Sea, the ship made regular contact with the PLA Navy Jiangkai II-class frigate Yuncheng (FFG 571). Fitzgerald and Yuncheng regularly exchanged greetings and navigational course exchanges on bridge-to-bridge radio.
“For us, this is very routine,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Justin Brown as quoted in Navy’s official website. “Speaking with ships from the PLA Navy is a common event in the South China Sea and we are always prepared for it. The Chinese vessel was very professional and friendly, and it was a good experience to be able to communicate with them.”
Other U.S. Navy ships conducted similar operations in the 7th Fleet area of operation in recent months, including the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Preble (DDG 88), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3).
USS Fitzgerald is currently in Manila Bay to provide general support during APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Manila.