USS Stethem arrives in Subic Bay

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Subic Bay for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.

The ship’s crew will use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Philippine companies.

The United States and Philippines continue to build upon their 70-year history of partnership through defense cooperation, port visits, and military training activities.

The American and Philippine militaries have worked together on areas of mutual interest including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security.

USS Stethem is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

PHOTO:
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) transiting waters east of the Korean Peninsula in March.

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Frank Cable visits Subic Bay during Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment

The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Sept. 10, and the ships seventh port call during its deployment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The Frank Cable team consisting of more than 500 sailors and civilian mariners is currently on deployment to provide vital flexibility to the fleet commanders, extending the range and impact of U.S. naval forces.

American submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS-40)

While in Subic Bay, Frank Cable's Repair Department will provide support services to the guided-missile submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772), and her crew will participate in community outreach events and take advantage of various tours offered by Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

USS Frank Cable is one of two forward-deployed submarine tenders and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to conduct maintenance and support of deployed U.S. naval force submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

For more information on the USS Frank Cable, find us on Facebook at USS Frank Cable (AS 40), or http://www.csp.navy.mil/frankcable

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Frank Cable (AS 40), visit www.navy.mil/local/as40/.

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=96617

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Guided-missile submarine USS Ohio arrives in Subic Bay

The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN-726) has arrived in Subic Bay March 22 for the conclusion of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.

Measuring more than 560 feet long and weighing more than 16,000 tons when submerged, Ohio is one of the largest submarines in the world.

This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

The USS Ohio underwent an extensive conversion beginning in 2002 and became the nation’s first guided-missile and special warfare submarine in 2006. It is capable of launching tomahawk missiles as well as inserting special operations forces into clandestine environments.

“Our presence in the region provides a stabilizing force and through engagements with our partners, such as this port visit to Subic Bay, we aid in maintaining that stability,” said Capt. Michael Lewis, commanding officer.

"Many have never been to the Philippines and are looking forward to experiencing the local culture. As a crew we are happy to be here. Ohio crew members have worked very hard during deployment and it’s time to enjoy some well-deserved liberty.” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate William Catron, chief of the boat.

The USS Ohio was the first Trident-class nuclear powered fleet ballistic submarine and the fourth United States vessel to bear the name of Ohio. The ship was converted to a guided-missile submarine in 2006 and is forward-deployed to Guam with the crews based in Bangor, Washington.

Due to its sheer size, Ohio is capable of berthing more than 250 personnel and loading out for an extended period of time makes it a good choice as a special forces operations platform. With a payload of more than 100 Tomahawk missiles the USS Ohio is also ideal for strike operations.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 7, visit www.csp.navy.mil/csg7/


PHOTO:

Sailors assigned to the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) moor the submarine in preparation for its voyage repair and crew swap period. Ohio is assigned to Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15 and is the U.S Navy's only forward deployed submarine squadron, providing maintenance, training, logistics and administration support for the submarines assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class William Tonacchio/Released)

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US submarine, warship in PHL for visit

A United States submarine and a guided-missile cruiser have arrived in the Philippines amid tensions caused by Chinese activities in Philippine-claimed territories in the South China Sea.

USS Charlotte, the submarine, moored at Subic Bay on Wednesday morning while the guided-missile destroyer, USS Antietam, docked in Manila on Tuesday.

A US military statement said USS Antietam is on "patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific."

During the cruiser's stay in the Philippines, its crew will "participate in community relations events and tours and [will] have time to enjoy the city," the statement said.

The USS Charlotte, on the other hand, is currently on a "six-month deployment to the US 7th Fleet area of operations," according to an earlier US news release.

"Charlotte will conduct important missions to strengthen theater security with strong partners throughout the region," it said.

The visit of the USS Charlotte and USS Antietam came days after the arrival of the USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the US 7th Fleet that docked at the former US naval base in Subic on March 4 for a similar port visit.

China’s actions in the resource-rich South China Sea have worried its smaller neighbors, like the Philippines, due to its massive claim that encroaches on their sovereign territories. Beijing said its claims over the waters are “indisputable” and anchored on history that is backed by ancient maps and documents.

The Philippines challenged this claim before a United Nations-linked arbitral tribunal where a resolution is pending.

Although not a party to the disputes, the US has declared that it is in its national interest to ensure freedom of access to the region’s sea lanes and air zones and that disputes are resolved peacefully. It has recently sent a four-ship strike group to patrol the South China Sea. (GMA News)

PHOTO:
Los Angeles class submarine USS Charlotte (SSN-766) enters Subic Bay waters Wednesday morning as part of its six-month deployment to the US 7th Fleet area of operations (Photo by Jun Dumaguing, MPD-SBMA)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/558433/news/nation/us-submarine-warship-in-phl-for-visit

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MSC’s USNS Charles Drew hosts ship tour to Subic Bay's medical professionals

Eleven Filipino nationals toured the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) during a community relations event in Subic Bay, March 3.

The Filipino nationals were staff members comprised of nurses and medical technicians from the Unihealth- Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center located here.

The event was sponsored by Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the guests were those who provide care to civilian mariners in the form of physicals, Medical Surveillance Program renewals (MSPs) and other urgent and routine medical needs.

The Baypointe staff were treated to a hardy dinner onboard and given a tour of the ship which included the bridge, the SA330-J Puma helicopter cargo handling areas, and the ship's medical department.

"Thank you very much for a wonderful experience touring the ship," said Marjurie Hernandez, from the marketing department at Baypointe Hospital. The staff stated they had a memorable time and for some of them this was their first time seeing a U.S. Navy ship up close.

MSC currently contracts with Baypointe Hospital and other local medical facilities in the Subic Bay area for the completion of required MSC medical exams. The USNS Charles Drew is currently assigned to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (dvidshub.net)

PHOTO:
Filipino nationals pose for a photo in the dining facility during a tour of the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10), March 3. (Photo courtesy of Marjurie Hernandez)

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/191502/mscs-usns-charles-drew-hosts-ship-tour-medical-professionals#.Vt7fEZx97WJ

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USS Lassen drops anchor in Subic Bay

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived Wednesday (July 1) in Subic Bay for a port visit.

Prior to its arrival here, Lassen's crew of 320 Sailors, including members of the 'Warlords' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, conducted presence patrols in the South China Sea and in waters around the Philippine Islands.

During the port visit, Lassen's crew will have the opportunity to interact with local citizens, experience Philippine culture, give back to the local community through several community relation projects and enjoy the natural splendor of the surrounding land and seascapes.

With all the natural beauty the Philippines has to offer, I am honored and excited to bring Lassen back to Subic Bay,” said Cmdr. Robert Francis, Lassen's commanding officer. “For many of our Sailors, this is a real treat to be coming back to such a beautiful country. I could not ask for a more exciting and culture-rich port to visit.”

U.S. Navy port visits not only improve the quality of life for Sailors, but also play an important role in promoting peace and stability by strengthening relationships between the U.S. and the Philippines.

Lassen, one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is currently on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (USS Lassen Public Affairs)

PHOTO:
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen. 

http://right.is/military/2015/07/uss-lassen-to-experience-philippine-culture-2526.html

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USS Shiloh arrives in Subic Bay

USS Shiloh (CG-67) arrived in Subic Bay over the weekend for a port visit as part of an ongoing patrol in the Pacific theater.

The USS Shiloh is part of the forward-deployed Naval Forces of the U.S. 7th Fleet — the U.S. Department of Defense unified combatant command responsible for the overall stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The routinely scheduled port visit will permit the ship to replenish supplies, strengthen people-to-people ties through community outreach and will afford the approximately 360-person crew of which 31 are Filipino-American, the opportunity to briefly experience Filipino culture, which is reflective of strong historic, community, and military connections.

The USS Shiloh, commissioned July 18, 1992, is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser and serves as a multi-role warship capable of facing and defeating threats in the air, on sea, or ashore.

The warship is also capable of employing two SH-60 Seahawk multi-purpose helicopters, used primarily for anti-submarine warfare.

The USS Shiloh, named in remembrance of the American Civil War battle operates out of its homeport in Yokosuka, Japan and is commanded by Captain Kurush F Morris.

PHOTO:
The guided missile cruiser ship USS Shiloh (CG-67) is seen docked for supply replenishment at the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport zone Friday afternoon (May 29). The US ship is equipped with guided missiles and rapid-fire cannons and also carries two multi-purpose helicopters for anti-submarine warfare. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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