US missile destroyer docks in Maldives

The US missile destroyer has been conducting routine training exercises throughout the Southeast Asian Western Pacific region.

A US missile destroyer docked in the Maldives on Tuesday after conducting routine training exercises in the region.

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"This port visit is an outward demonstration of the US commitment to peace an stability in the region," a statement from the US embassy in neighboring Sri Lanka quoted Vincent McBeth, comander of the USS McCampbell's 300-member crew as saying.

The destroyer has been conducting routine training exercises throughout the Southeast Asian Western Pacific region, the statement said.

The sailors will participate in "friendship building and community service projects," during their stay, it said.

The Arleigh Burke-class ship is deployed as part of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group of the US Seventh Fleet, with some 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 sailors and Marines.

A US Navy ship last visited the Maldives in January 2005 to undertake tsunami relief efforts.