A stern flap extends from the stern of the guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106).

PEARL HARBOR (Jul. 09, 2012) A stern flap extends from the stern of the guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106). A stern flap is an extension of the hull bottom surface which extends aft of the transom and is used to modify the flow field under the hull afterbody, decreasing flow velocity and increasing pressure, resulting in reduced drag, reduced turbulence, and thus, reduced hull resistance. Stockdale is participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication 1st Class Tony Spiker) File# 120709-N-QY215-006