by


Guam - The USS Forth Worth made its first visit to Guam this morning as part its maiden 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific rebalance.


Building on its USS Freedom's inaugural 10-month deployment from March to December 2013, Fort Worth will expand LCS operations in the region to include visiting more ports, engaging regional navies during exercises like Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) and expanding LCS capabilities with tools like the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned autonomous helicopter.


According to a release, Fort Worth will train with the Republic of Korea Navy in exercise Foal Eagle and will join multinational ships at Singapore's Changi Naval Base for the International Maritime Defence Exhibition.


Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office Lt. Tim Gorman says there are about 100 sailors aboard the USS Forth Worth. While he could not disclose how long the USS Fort Worth will be on Guam, he says their visit is an opportunity to refuel and restock on supplies and get some downtime in Guam before they head to Singapore.