From U.S. 3rd Fleet
USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) exercises with the PLA(N) frigates Daqing (FFG 576) and Yancheng (FFG 546) off the coast of Southern California, Dec. 9. (U.S. Navy/PO3 Craig Z. Rodarte) >>
PACIFIC OCEAN - USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) conducted a maneuvering exercise with People’s Liberation Army (Navy) ships off the coast of Southern California, Dec. 9.
Jiangkai II-class frigates Yancheng (FFG 546) and Daqing (FFG 576), and the Fuchi-class oiler Tai Hu (AOR 889) joined Bunker Hill at sea following a routine port visit to San Diego. While at sea, the ships exercised communications and safety of navigation, and maneuvered into various formations.
“This was my first time participating in an exercise like this with our PLA(N) counterparts,” said Seaman Jerika Robinson. “It gave me a better understanding of the way their [PLA(N)] ships operate.”
The maneuvering exercise is one of many different evolutions that fosters cooperative relationships between navies and develops a common understanding about different operating procedures.
“In the event we cross paths again, or in a natural disaster response situation, we will have a common understanding of the way each other’s navy operates,” said Petty Officer Second Class Mathieu Brookshier. “We were able to build relationships while practicing our at-sea communication techniques.”
USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), a guided-missile cruiser, is homeported in San Diego and is part of U.S. 3rd Fleet.
Joint, interagency and international partnerships strengthen 3rd Fleet’s ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.