The guided-missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) steams in the operating area of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008.EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Friends and family members of the crew of USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) stood patiently on the pier as the ship moored at Naval Station Everett Aug. 15, following the guided missile frigate's participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 exercise.
RIMPAC is a large-scale biennial multinational maritime exercise designed to help increase mutual cooperation and enhance operation capabilities among countries around the Pacific rim.
Following Rodney M. Davis's participation in RIMPAC, the ship went to the Southern California operating area to conduct workups with their helicopter detachment.
"Our primary mission is anti-surface warfare," said Command Master Chief Clifford Smith. "We provided a screen for the strike group against submarines and also conducted maritime interdiction operations (MIO)."
Ten nations took part in RIMPAC 2008 and conducted the exercise in the waters off Hawaii.
"The reason for this operation was to help prepare the crew for our upcoming deployment," said Smith.
For one Sailor, the underway was typical, yet one which had purpose.
"The underway period went well as expected, but I am really glad to be back," said Seaman Pierre Neal. "Being underway was suspenseful and treacherous because we were practicing a lot of drills. They really got to be monotonous, but it is understood that if, and when, an emergency situation arises, each Sailor will be equipped with vital knowledge to help save the ship and crew."
Toward the conclusion of RIMPAC, Rodney M. Davis engaged in a workup exercise in preparation for their next deployment before taking aboard 30 embarked guests for a "tiger cruise" and returning to Naval Station Everett.