The Arleigh Burke-class USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Manila Bay November 16 to provide general support for APEC Leaders’ Meeting where heads of state and representatives from APEC member economies and partners are attending.
“The ship’s five-day support mission is in conjunction with its routine patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations,” United States Embassy in Manila said. “During its short visit, there will be no scheduled liberty for U.S. Sailors aboard.”
USS Fitzgerald just finished a routine patrol in West Philippine Sea from November 10 to 15, promoting regional security, stability and freedom of the seas.
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.