After completing integrated Defense of the Amphibious Task Force (DATF) drills in the South China Sea, US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) entered Singapore’s Changi Naval Base together with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) for a scheduled port visit on October 2.
Capt. Colby Howard, commanding officer of Wasp, says Singapore offers a well-deserved rest and relaxation opportunity for the more than 2,200 sailors and marines assigned to the ship.
“We are extremely grateful to the wonderful people of Singapore for allowing us the opportunity to conduct this port visit,” said Howard. “The sailors and marines on Wasp are very excited for some well-deserved time ashore after two very successful months of at-sea operations.”
Prior to this port visit Wasp and 31st MEU provided Defense Support to Civil Authorities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands following the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut, and conducted training in the East and South China Seas.
Wasp, the flagship for the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance amphibious capabilities with regional partners and to serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.