US destroyer makes port for supplies, R&R

From Malaya (Nov 20): US destroyer makes port for supplies, R&R

AN American warship dropped anchor off Manila Bay yesterday for a routine port visit, less than three weeks after a similar visit by the American aircraft carrier, USS George Washington and two escort ships. The US embassy said USS Gridley, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, is in Manila “for a routine call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections” between US and Philippines. “This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and recreation,” it said in a statement. The ship is part of the US Pacific Fleet and is homeported in San Diego, California. The USS Gridley will be in the country until Friday, said Navy spokesman Col. Omar Tonsay. The embassy said the ship is named after Capt. Charles Gridley, commander of the USS Olympia who was told by Admiral George Dewey `You may fire when ready, Gridley’ in the Battle of Manila Bay during Spanish-American War.” Other visiting US ships were the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group, specifically the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, destroyer USS McCampbell, and the guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens. Edilberto Adan, executive director of the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission, said 68 US ships have visited the country since January. The commission is overseeing the implementation of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement that provides legal framework to visits of US servicemen and exercises they conduct with Filipino troops. US officials have said there is going to be an increase in US forces, rotating through the country. “That is the pronouncement but based on the trend of the actual visits (of US ships), there is no increase,” Adan said, noting that the average number of US ship visits is 70 to 80. In 2008, Adan said, 123 US ships visited the country.

http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/18043-us-destroyer-makes-port-for-supplies-rar