Crew of US warship to provide assistance to Mayon evacuees

From Malaya Business Insight (Mar 5): Crew of US warship to provide assistance to Mayon evacuees

A US warship with 2,500 sailors and marines on board arrived in Manila yesterday for a port visit and is set to extend assistance to thousands affected by the eruption of Mayon volcano in Albay.

In a statement, the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard said it is visiting the Philippines “to enhance the strong ties between the Philippines and the US and to experience the Philippine culture.”

The ship is coming from a multi-lateral military exercise, dubbed Cobra Gold, in Thailand. The exercise, focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, was participated in by forces from US, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, and Singapore.

“Following exercise Cobra Gold, we’ve continued our shipboard training and patrol, and now we have the opportunity to experience liberty in Manila,” said the ship’s commanding officer, Capt. Larry McCullen.

“I’m grateful for the chance to share the amazing culture of the Philippines with the crew during this port call,” said McCullen.

While in the Philippines, the US servicemen will be involved in morale, welfare, and recreation tours and community relations project benefitting those affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/crew-us-warship-provide-assistance-mayon-evacuees