Rodney M. Davis and US Coast Guard integrate to improve maritime security in Oceana

AGANA, GUAM

08.27.2014

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek A. Harkins, USS Rodney M. Davis Public Affairs

AGANA, Guam - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Rodney M. Davis visited Guam Aug. 18-19 after finishing a two-week Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) Patrol.

OMSI is a maritime security operation designed to enhance maritime domain awareness, increase law enforcement presence, and expand at-sea law enforcement capabilities throughout Oceania.

During the ship’s two-week patrol, Rodney M. Davis’ Sailors and U.S. Coast Guardsmen from the Tactical Law Enforcement Team Pacific conducted compliant boarding operations and vessel sightings throughout the Oceania region of the Pacific Ocean.

"Rodney M. Davis is only the third U.S. Navy ship to embark a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment in support of OMSI, so this is still a relatively new mission,” said Cmdr. Todd Whalen, commanding officer of Rodney M. Davis. “Our patrol was a success because we quickly integrated with our sister sea service to complete tasking and helped improve procedures for future missions."

Rodney M. Davis arrived in Guam Aug. 18. After refueling and loading stores, the ship’s crew spent some time ashore to explore Guam and enjoy the local cuisine.

“I never expected to come to a place like this before joining the Navy,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Ledarrius Burgess, from Chicago. “A place like Guam; a lot of people back at home never get to see that. I’m glad that I had this opportunity.”

The ship's visit to Guam also marked the end of hosting midshipmen for this year’s summer training program. The ship hosted 20 midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps over the course of the summer to give them experience in the fleet. All midshipmen integrated with the crew and participated in a variety of events during the ship’s transit to Guam.

“These midshipmen should have a great head start at their first command when they arrive as ensigns,” said Lt. j.g. Mario Granata, midshipmen training coordinator. “They got to experience first-hand what petty officers and division officers do on a forward-deployed warship.”

Rodney M. Davis, based out of Everett, Washington, is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 08.27.2014
• Date Posted: 08.27.2014 21:20
• Story ID: 140598
• Location: AGANA, GU
• Hometown: CHICAGO, IL, US