American destroyer to arrive in Manila Friday

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): American destroyer to arrive in Manila Friday

The US Embassy in Manila announced that the USS Howard (DDG-83), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, will arrive at the Manila South Harbor for a routine port call this Friday.

The visit highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.

The USS Howard's visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

While in Manila the sailors of the USS Howard are very eager to strengthen their understanding of a country with such strong historical ties to the United States through tours of the city and surrounding historical sites.

The USS Howard is part of the US Pacific Fleet and is homeported in San Diego, California.

She is commanded by Cmdr. David G. Zook and crewed by approximately 300 sailors, of whom about 15 are Filipino-American.

The ship is named in honor of Marine Corps First Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard, a Marine staff non-commissioned officer who led an 18-man reconnaissance patrol in a battle against the Viet Cong in June 1966. Howard was the sixth Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest US honor for heroism in combat in Vietnam.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=634470