By Ensign Bill Morrison, Commander, 7th Fleet Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Singapore Oct. 26 for multinational exercise Deep Sabre II, a proliferation security initiative exercise.
Fitzgerald will be participating in the exercise with military and civil agencies from 22 countries to develop maritime interdiction strategies targeting vessels that transport weapons of mass destruction.
The exercise demonstrates the continued cooperation of the international community to counter weapons of mass destruction and promote peace and security on the world's seas.
"Fitzgerald is honored to accept the invitation extended by the Singaporean Navy to participate in this exercise. We are very appreciative of the opportunity to work side by side with navies from around the world to enhance our ability to prevent weapons of mass destruction," said Cmdr. Richard Dromerhauser, Fitzgerald's commanding officer. "This visit reaffirms the sound international commitment to maritime security, and it sends a clear message of strength and unity from the global community in the war on terrorism."
Fitzgerald is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and patrols the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 48 million square miles with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any time.