The Littoral combat ship USS Coronado has departed the San Diego Naval Base to undergo an independent deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet in Western Pacific.
The U.S. Navy said Thursday that the Coronado underwent the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise that works to maintain and nurture cooperative relationships critical to safety of the sea lanes and the oceans before its deployment.
The ship and the LCS squadron crew of 70 sailors will participate in presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations, the agency added.
Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, U.S. 3rd Fleet commander, said that RIMPAC supports partner navies to work with the ship and determine its regional security contributions.
Coronado is designed to counter mines, submarines and fast surface craft threats in coastal regions through its littoral seas and shallow water operation functions.
Aboard the Coronado are the Sea Combat Squadron 23 helicopter and the Telephonics AN/ZPY-4 maritime surveillance radar-equipped MQ-8 Fire Scout.