Carl Vinson Strike Group visits Singapore

Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Arleigh Burke -class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and Ticonderoga -class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit, April 4.

Prior to the visit, the Carl Vinson Strike Group (CSG-1) completed two weeks of routine operations in the Asia-Pacific region, including maritime exercises with the Republic of Korea Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. The ship also operated in the South China Sea during this deployment.

“This port visit reaffirms our commitment to the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship and our shared belief that lawful use of the sea and airspace are essential to prosperity, stability and security for all nations in the Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Jim Kilby, CSG-1 commander. “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to return or in many cases visit this great country for the first time.”

Carl Vinson will host a reception for distinguished visitors including the United States’ Deputy Chief of Mission to Singapore Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath; Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet; Fleet Commander Cheong Kwok Chien; and various high commissioners, military attaches and distinguished members of the U.S. and Singapore Diplomatic Corps.

“Vinson Sailors are excited about Singapore and this port visit,” said Capt. Doug Verissimo, Carl Vinson commanding officer. “They tirelessly execute the carrier’s mission in providing a presence here in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. They work hard to better themselves personally and professionally, and now they have an opportunity to get some well-deserved rest and take in the sights and culture of Singapore.”

The strike group will continue on their regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment after departing Singapore.