EVERETT — The USS Rodney M. Davis is coming home after sailing into naval history.
The USS Davis, a Perry-class frigate, is scheduled to return today after participating in one of the largest naval exercises ever held, the biannual Rim of the Pacific Exercise — or RIMPAC — held off Hawaii.
The exercise is the largest multinational naval operation to date. According to a statement released by the U.S. Navy, 10 nations participated for a total of 35 ships, six submarines, more than 150 aircraft and about 20,000 sailors, airmen, Marines, soldiers and coast guardsmen.
Participating nations included Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, The Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States.
The object of the exercise, according to Naval Station Everett spokesman Richard Huling, is to promote maritime freedom and strengthen the bonds between the various navies.
“The emphasis is on working together, teamwork and goodwill,” Huling said. “Exercises can be dangerous, so a certain degree of trust is involved. This exercise builds trust — trust between navies.”
The exercise was held in three phases and included live-fire exercises, missile exercises, undersea warfare training and naval maneuvers.
The USS Davis garnered international acclaim on April 25, 2007, when the crew seized 3,850 gallons of liquid cocaine off the coast of Ecuador in conjunction with Coast Guard drug-interdiction efforts.
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
