SINGAPORE -- A U.S. Navy ship, aircraft and Sailors will participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2019 in Singapore, beginning May 14.

Adm. John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, will join 16 fellow chiefs of navy, five directors of coast guards, senior civilian leaders and defense industry personnel for engagements at IMDEX. In addition to meeting with counterparts, he will deliver remarks at the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC).

"It's great to be back in the Lion City to meet with regional counterparts and advance dialogue on key maritime security priorities at this important multilateral venue," said Richardson. "I always look forward to these engagements, and opportunities to work with the Republic of Singapore Navy, and our other regional partners and allies."

The guided-missile destroyer USS William P Lawrence (DDG 110) with embarked MH-60R helicopter will join static displays at Singapore's Changi Naval Base and multilateral exercises hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Prior to IMDEX, William P. Lawrence participated in the ASEAN Defense Minister's Meeting Plus (ADMM+) Maritime Security exercise, and will also join RSN's Maritime Information Sharing Exercise (MARISX). William P. Lawrence is joining 23 warships and crews from 15 international navies at IMDEX.

The U.S. Navy and RSN have a strong navy-to-navy partnership that includes regular staff talks, port visits, exercises like Pacific Griffin, and exchanges throughout the year. The biennial IMDEX Asia began in 1997 and continues to provide an international venue to showcase maritime defense technology and to foster dialogue on maritime security priorities.

The U.S. Navy has participated in IMDEX for decades to promote multilateral dialogue, enhance security cooperation and support regional stability as part of a free and open Indo-Pacific. IMDEX also provides U.S. Navy participants an opportunity to deepen longstanding friendships with the people and armed forces of Singapore.