PACIFIC OCEAN - The guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) May 4.

While in the 7th Fleet, CHOSIN will conduct exercises and port visits to enhance maritime partnerships and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"It's been just over a year that I had the privilege of assuming command of Chosin and its exceptional crew," said Capt. Patrick Kelly, commanding officer. "We are trained, we are focused, and we are ready to operate forward. It is our privilege to be part of Navy's rebalancing initiative in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. We look forward to operating with our allies, partners and friends in the months ahead -- wherever we are needed."

Chosin will join up with the Nimitz Strike Group soon after entering the 7th Fleet AOR. They will participate in training exercises designed to enhance combat readiness through combined training.

Chosin, an AEGIS guided missile cruiser, is capable of executing multiple warfare areas simultaneously to include air, surface, sub-surface and strike. As part of Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Chosin operates forward, maintaining the highest standards of readiness in order to promote stability throughout the region.

Over the past year, Chosin has completed the Basic Phase of Training and participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. Most recently, the ship successfully completed the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). Chosin departed from its homeport in Pearl Harbor April 30. The ship's last deployment to 7th Fleet was in 2010.

Chosin follows in the wake of countless ships, aircraft and Sailors that deployed to the region over the past 70 years, continuing the Navy's ongoing commitment to maintain security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. 7th Fleet AOR spans 48 million square miles, from the International Date Line to the Western Indian Ocean.