USS Curtis Wilbur conducts small boat ops in South China Sea

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 4, 2025) – Sailors of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) operate a rigid-hull inflatable boat during small boat operations in the South China Sea, Sept. 4. The Curtis Wilbur is underway in the South China Sea conducting routine operations. The U.S. Navy conducts exercises and operations to maintain readiness, refine tactics, deter conflict, and support maritime homeland defense. The Curtis Wilbur is forward deployed and currently assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)