Navy deploys 300 men for US ship's goodwill visit

From the Philippine Star (Oct 24): Navy deploys 300 men for US ship's goodwill visit

The Philippine Navy (PN) is deploying 300 personnel to take part in the five-day goodwill visit in Manila and Cavite of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) (CVN-73) starting Thursday.... Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the Port of Manila will serve as host to the USS George Washington under the command of Rear Admiral John Haley. The aircraft carrier sailed in with two other US warships, the USS Cowpens (CG-63) and USS Campbell (DDG-85). “The PN will provide around 300 personnel within Manila and Cavite area to participate during the ship’s tour aboard USS George Washington and commit participants for the other activities that will cover the five-day stay of the visitors,” Navy spokesman Col. Omar Tonsay said.... Tonsay said activities during the friendly visit include courtesy calls, reception, ship’s tour, professional exchanges or Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), Community Relations or Community Services (COMREL or COMSERV) projects, and goodwill games between PN and USN counterparts. “This port visit is envisioned to enhance and strengthen mutual relationship between the two nations and their naval forces as it offers an opportunity for the USN to foster personal and professional exchanges with their Philippine counterparts,” Tonsay said....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=862958