The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) completed a port visit in Singapore, July 22nd, during its scheduled deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

The port visit was a good opportunity for the ship to complete voyage repairs, allow the crew some time off, and present an opportunity to explore some of the multicultural aspects of Singapore.

During the port visit, the crew executed the in-port phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training with the Republic of Singapore Navy. Major events included a sports day, a ship media tour, a dinner hosted by the RSN, a Stethem-hosted reception and engineering and culinary professional exchanges.

"The RSN has been nothing but professional throughout the entire exercise, and I've been impressed with our Sailors' growth and development during this exercise," said Cmdr. Doug Pegher, commanding officer, Stethem. "The Stethem crew continues to exceed my expectations both ashore and at sea."

The U.S. Navy conducts port visits worldwide and part of our global mission is building relationships through community relations overseas. Hosting a visit for the entire cast and crew of Les Miserables, a renowned world class musical, was a rare opportunity for Stethem while in port in Singapore.

"It's important for us to step outside the normal parameters of our job; it helps us grow and mature as Sailors," said Stethem's Strike Officer Lt. j.g. Christopher Greco.

Greco, and 16 other Stethem crew members attended a performance of Les Miserables several days prior at the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore. The Les Miserables cast and crew provided the Sailors a backstage tour after the show, and Stethem reciprocated by hosting them for a tour while pierside at Changi Naval Base.

By the end of the tour it was clear all parties involved enjoyed themselves; it was a rousing success. Smiling faces and laughter abounded among tour participants and crew members alike.

"Port visits like this one are important for rest and relaxation and making the necessary repairs, but you know it's truly a remarkable port visit when you are able to make an impact on the local and international community," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Charles Stillinger.

Stethem is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and operates in the U.S. 7th Fleet to support a wide range of theater contingencies, ranging from ballistic missile defense to carrier strike group operations.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Destroyer Squadron 7, visit http://www.navy.mil/.