The newest fast-attack
submarine of the United States has docked at Subic Bay—about 250
kilometers from Scarborough Shoal off Zambales—“as part of her Western
Pacific deployment,” a post at the web site of the Pacific Command
(Pacom) said.
Written
by Lt. Lara Bollinger of the Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs, the post
added that the Virginia class USS North Carolina (SSN 777) “arrived at
Subic Bay May 13.”
“North Carolina has
conducted a series of missions showcasing the latest capabilities of the
submarine force. The crew is proud of our recent contributions as part
of our country’s commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation, peace
and stability in the region,” Cmdr. Richard Rhinehart, the submarine’s
commanding officer, was quoted as saying in the article.
Philippine
defense and military officials were silent about the arrival of North
Carolina amid the dragging standoff with China at Scarborough Shoal,
which is about 250 km from Subic Bay.
Commissioned in 2008, the USS North Carolina has a total crew of 133 and lists its home port Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
“Everyone
is looking forward to some good liberty, rest and relaxation during our
port visit here in Subic Bay,” said the chief of the boat, master chief
Jon Consford.
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Zaff Solmerin | Correspondent/BusinessMirror.Com.Ph | May 16, 2012 | Article Link
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