7 US warships in RP amid rising tension in WPS

From the Daily Tribune (May 21): 7 US warships in RP amid rising tension in WPS

Amid the rising tension in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS), a United States Nnavy strike group –composed of seven warships, arrived yesterday in Subic Bay, Zambales for a routine visit to Manila.

In a statement, the US Embassy Manila announced that the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) is scheduled to begin a routine port visit to the Philippines May 20 in Subic Bay.

The US Embassy said that the strike group will be in Manila today.

The JCSSG is consists of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 embarked, guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53).

The visit of the US strike group happened following May 17 “unsafe intercept” of a US spy plane by two Chinese jets in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.

The US Department of Defense is now reviewing the intercept of a US reconnaissance aircraft by two Chinese tactical aircraft.

Rear Adm. Marcus Hitchcock, commander of JCSSG, the centerpiece of US Great Green Fleet (GGF), expressed excitement in the visit citing many crew members of the strike group have Filipino roots.

“We are excited to visit Manila and Subic Bay. This is a great opportunity for our Sailors to see the sights and experience the warm hospitality of the Filipino people,” said Hitchcock.

“Many of our Sailors look forward to reconnecting with family and friends in the local area,” he added.

It is not the first time that the JCSSG in the Philippines as it participated in the US-Ph Balikatan exercise last April.

While in the Philippines, the US Embassy said that the strike group personnel will conduct cultural exchanges with the people of the Philippines by participating in community relations projects (COMRELS). Sailors plan to visit local elementary schools, cemeteries, memorials, and a medical center.

JCSSG sailors will also take part in morale, welfare and recreation tours to experience the island and the practices of the Filipino people. Sailors from Chung-Hoon and William P. Lawrence will also participate in friendly sporting matches with locals.

Approximately 8,500 sailors make up the strike group, of which at least 238 are of Filipino heritage. The Commanding Officer of USS Stockdale (DDG 106), Cmdr. Raphael Castillejo, is among those sailors.

Castillejo was born at Makati Medical Center and moved to the United States as a boy. He has served in the Navy for 23 years and is looking forward to returning to his hometown for this port visit. He plans to lead a wreath-laying ceremony at a local cemetery to remember those lost liberating the Philippines during World War II.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/7-us-warships-in-rp-amid-rising-tension-in-wps