Stethem Joins with PLA(N) to Conduct Exercise

By Tactical-Life

The following is a release by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin V. Cunningham, USS Stethem Public Affairs:

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) joined with People’s Liberation Army-Navy PLA(N) guided-missile frigate Xuzhou (FFG 530) to practice the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) and conduct a search-and-rescue (SAR) exercise, Nov. 20.

Stethem concluded a scheduled port visit to PLA(N) East Sea Fleet of Shanghai that same day, where crew members of both ships took part in cultural exchanges, ship tours, receptions, and sporting events.

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“The exercise was the culmination of our visit with the PLA Navy,” said Cmdr. Harry Marsh, Stethem’s commanding officer. “Each day and interaction brought our crews and navies closer, so that by the end of the week, the exercise was smoothly conducted. Our continually improving relationship with the PLA (N) is the entire reason why these visits are so crucial to our partnership.”

Stethem visited Qingdao, China, in July and operated with the PLA(N) North Sea Fleet.

“This is our second visit to China in three months,” said Lt. Erika Betancourt, Stethem’s operations officer. “The strides we have made in our partnership and …Read the Rest

Source:: Tactical Life