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USS Rodney M. Davis Visits Maldives to Foster Friendship

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS141011-01
Release Date: 10/11/2014 11:51:00 AM

From USS Rodney M. Davis and Embassy of the United States of America, Colombo, Public Affairs

COLOMBO, Maldives (NNS) -- USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate with the U.S. 7th Fleet, visited the Maldives Oct. 6 through 8 as part of a routine patrol of the Indian Ocean.

The officers and crew of the Rodney M. Davis worked with the Maldives National Defence Forces, including the Coast Guard, to improve regional security through close communication, coordination and information exchanges, while supporting at-sea and ashore training opportunities. These activities foster trust and friendship between the United States and the Maldives.

'It is tremendously beneficial to build on our excellent relationships with the maritime nations of the Indian Ocean,' said Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. 'The area is critical to regional security, and the partnerships we build with this training will go a long way to creating a more professional and stable maritime environment.'

Cmdr. Todd Whalen, commanding officer of the Rodney M. Davis, expressed gratitude to the Maldivian Government for the opportunity to visit the Maldives.

'My crew and I are excited to visit the Maldives,' said Whalen. 'We are grateful for the chance to make new friends and work with our counterparts in the Maldivian National Defense Forces.'

The port visit also allowed the Sailors to experience the ecologically unique beauty of the Maldives.

Prior to visiting the Maldives, Rodney M. Davis joined a formation of more than 50 ships from Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia during Sail Raja Ampat, a part of a series of international maritime events hosted by the government of Indonesia in West Papua, Indonesia.

Rodney M. Davis has a long history in the U.S. 7th Fleet, being forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for many years and participating in numerous training exercises with Indo-Asia-Pacific partner nations. The U.S. Navy vessel is named for Marine Sergeant Rodney M. Davis, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Vietnam War.

Based out of Everett, Wash., Rodney M. Davis is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.