"Conducting these types of operations with our allies builds proficiency and sustains our ability to maintain a persistent presence throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations," Command Senior Chief William Palmer IV stated.
Once deployed, the Stethem completed a refueling-at-sea operation with the New Zealand ship Endeavour.
Tactical actions officer Robert Kline stated in the release that the operation has provided vital experience that increases the Navy’s proficiency in mission critical areas.
On April 8, the US aircraft carrier strike group Carl Vinson was dispatched to the Korean Peninsula amid tensions in the region.
North Korea has carried out several nuclear and ballistic missile test launches this year in violation of UN resolutions. Last year, Pyongyang carried out two nuclear tests and conducted more than two dozen test launches using ballistic missile technology.