SHANGHAI, China - Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Shanghai, China, Nov. 16 for a scheduled port visit.

Stethem’s visit promotes maritime cooperation and reinforces a positive naval relationship with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)) East Sea Fleet.

"We look forward to this opportunity to strengthen the existing relations between our navies,” said Stethem's commanding officer, Cmdr. Harry L. Marsh. “Our ship had the honor of being hosted by the PLA(N) just last July in Qingdao. This port visit will give our Sailors and those of the PLA(N) a chance to foster the relationship that began at our last visit and share their experiences and cultures with one another.”

During the visit to Shanghai, Stethem will attend a reception and ship visits hosted by the PLA(N) and reciprocate in kind. The scheduled events will allow Sailors from both nations to interact, exchange experiences and gain an understanding of one another through their shared maritime interests. Stethem Sailors will be afforded the opportunity to explore Shanghai through tours organized by the ship’s Morale and Welfare Recreation (MWR) program and participate in a friendly basketball game with members of the East Sea Fleet.

Stethem, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and a member of Destroyer Squadron 15, is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.