US attack sub, cruiser on port calls

From Malaya Business Insight (Mar 10): US attack sub, cruiser on port calls

A US submarine and a guided-missile cruiser that are on a security operation in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, arrived in the country for port visits amid tension in the South China Sea. 
The submarine USS Charlotte and the guided-missile destroyer USS Antietam came days after the arrival of the USS Blue Ridge – the flagship of the US 7th Fleet – which docked at the former US naval base in Subic last March 4 for a visit.

USS Charlotte berthed at Subic yesterday morning, security officials said.

A US military statement said USS Antietam docked at the Manila pier last Tuesday. It said the ship is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific.”

“During her stay, Antietam’s crew will participate in community relations events and tours and have time to enjoy the city,” the statement read.

Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna said he has no information about the arrival of the USS Charlotte.

An earlier statement by the US Submarine Force Pacific said USS Charlotte, homeported in Hawaii, arrived at US naval base in Japan last Jan. 5 “for a port visit as part of its Indo-Pacific deployment.”

“Charlotte is on a six-month deployment to the US 7th Fleet area of operations. Charlotte will conduct   missions to strengthen theater security with strong partners throughout the region,” the statement read.

The US has stepped up operations in the South China Sea to ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed waters. Recently, the US sent a four-ship strike group to patrol the South China Sea.

China has turned aggressive in its claims over the South China Sea by reclaiming land in five reefs and putting up new naval and air force facilities.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/us-attack-sub-cruiser-port-calls