Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) participated in a trilateral exercise off the coast of Busan, South Korea, with the French and Republic of Korea (ROK) navies May 31.

The exercise, designed to boost interoperability and bolster partnerships in the Pacific, consisted of tactical maneuvering drills, non-maneuvering voice drills, and signal communication training.

"It was a great pleasure to participate in this exercise with our allies and practice our communications to increase interoperability," said Cmdr. Randy J. Van Rossum, Wayne E. Meyer's commanding officer.

Wayne E. Meyer participated in the exercise with the French navy Floreal-class light-frigate Prairial (F 731), and ROKN Ulsan-class frigate Busan (FF 959).

"We are honored to bring together ships from three allied navies for this brief exercise off the coast of South Korea," said Cmdr. Kim Beom Woo, of the ROKN fleet headquarters. "The exercise provides our navies an opportunity to work together and learn from each other so we may continue to fulfill our common interests in preserving a safe and secure maritime environment."

Wayne E. Meyer was named after the late Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer, who is regarded as the "Father of Aegis" for his service in developing the modern weapon system used by U.S. Navy ships throughout the fleet.

Wayne E. Meyer is underway in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.