Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) conducted a man overboard drill while on a routine patrol in the international waters of the South China Sea, Feb. 9.

The South China Sea encompasses more than 1 million square miles of ocean and facilitates in excess of $5 trillion in trade each year. Conducting training evolutions such as the man overboard drill and a digital flux gate magnetic compass (DFGMC) check are key to maintaining readiness while operating forward.

"I am proud of the professionalism and expertise of my bridge watchstanders" said Cmdr. Jennifer Eaton, Barry's commanding officer. "Training opportunities like these are invaluable to improve our overall readiness."

The U.S. routinely conducts naval operations in the western Pacific and Barry's patrol demonstrates the U.S. commitment to regional stability and continues the pattern of routine naval operations in the South China Sea.

Barry is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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