The USS Rodney M. Davis, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate with the U.S. 7th Fleet, will visit the Maldives in mid-October as part of a routine patrol of the Indian Ocean.
The officers and crew of the Rodney M. Davis will work with the Maldives National Defence Forces, including the Coast Guard, to improve regional security through close communication, coordination and information exchanges, while supporting at-sea and ashore training opportunities. These activities foster trust and friendship between the United States and the Maldives.
“It will be tremendously beneficial to build on our excellent relationships with the maritime nations of the Indian Ocean,” said Vice Admiral Robert Thomas, Commander U.S. 7th Fleet. “The area is critical to regional security, and the partnerships we build with this training will go a long way to creating a more professional and stable maritime environment.”
Prior to visiting the Maldives, the Rodney M. Davis joined a formation of over 50 ships from Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia during Sail Raja Ampat, a part of a series of international maritime events hosted by the government of Indonesia in West Papua, Indonesia.
[mappress] Press Release, October 08, 2014; Image: US Embassy Colombo