USS New Orleans arrives in Manila

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 22): USS New Orleans arrives in Manila

Another United States Navy (USN) vessel, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) with about 1,000 sailors and Marines on board, dropped anchor in Manila Bay Saturday for a routine port call.

USS New Orleans arrived just as the the US Seventh Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge departed following a four-day goodwill port visit.

Officials say the port visits highlight the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.

Such visits, they say, allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

“While in Manila the sailors and Marines aboard the USS New Orleans are very eager to strengthen their understanding of a country with such strong historical ties to the United States,” said a statement from the US Embassy.

The New Orleans is commanded by Cdr. David Ray and has a crew of approximately 360 sailors. About 750 Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are embarked aboard the transport ship.

USS New Orleans is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and is homeported in San Diego, California.

http://www.mb.com.ph/uss-new-orleans-arrives-in-manila/