San Diego-based USS Freedom arrived in Singapore today

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego-based USS Freedom, the Navy's first littoral combat ship to deploy overseas, arrived in Singapore today, where it will patrol for the next eight months, the 7th Fleet announced.

''We plan on spending most of our time here in Southeast Asia -- this will be Freedom's neighborhood for the next eight months,'' said Cmdr. Timothy Wilke, the commanding officer. ''We are eager to get out and about, work with other regional navies and share best practices during exercises, port visits and maritime security operations.''

The Freedom's 91 sailors were welcomed at Changi Naval B...