US Navy’s Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) conducted a port visit in Qingdao, July 28-30, to promote maritime cooperation and reinforce a positive naval relationship with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).
During the visit to Qingdao, Stethem welcomed Chinese military aboard for reciprocal guided tours and shipboard receptions with their host ship PLA(N) Yantai (FFG 538). Leaders from both ships also engaged in planning for a combined search and rescue (SAR) exercise that was conducted at sea.
Stethem is part of Destroyer Squadron 15, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
[mappress mapid=”16600″]
Image: US Navy