USA: USS Ashland Arrives in Singapore

USS Ashland (Image: Wiki Commons)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah Villegas, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Singapore after completing several phases in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, June 24.

The port visit to Singapore is a chance for Sailors and Marines to enjoy the culture and history of Singapore and strengthen relations with the Singapore community. 

For the Ashland crew and embarked Marines, the CARAT series included bilateral and multilateral engagements with partner nations -- including, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand -- in an effort to enhance relationships, increase interoperability, and peace and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. 

"The Sailors and Marines of USS Ashland were thrilled to work side-by-side and learn with our partner nations," said Cmdr. Daniel Duhan, Ashland's commanding officer. "The Navy-Marine Corps team performed brilliantly during the CARAT series. I am extremely proud of this team, and our port visit is a great opportunity to build on the already existing ties we have with the people of Singapore."

During the port visit, Sailors and Marines are scheduled to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. The crew will also have the chance to enjoy the local customs and culture through Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) tours during their visit. 

Ashland, part of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, and embarked Marines of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines are conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of partnership building and regional security.

Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet is the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force, headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa.

US Navy