FilAm sailor on US warship greets Pnoy on his 54th birthday

From the Manila Times (Feb 8): FilAm sailor on US warship greets Pnoy on his 54th birthday

Chief Petty Officer Geraldine Igualdo

ONE of 10 Filipino-Americans on the crew of the United States (US) Navy guided missile destroyer that is visiting Manila sent a video greeting to President Benigno Aquino 3rd who celebrated his 54th birthday Saturday.

Geraldine Igualdo, 26, a chief petty officer of the USS Pinckney, posted the greetings at her Internet site at the start of the ship’s five-day goodwill visit in the Philippines.

A native of Buguias Central Benguet, Igualdo made a video birthday greeting, which she hopes the President can watch when he has the time.

Igualdo is one of the crew of USS Pinckney (DDG91), which docked in Manila Friday for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community and military connections between the US and the Philippines.

In her Facebook page, Igualdo said she finished nursing at the University of Baguio and now lives in San Diego, California.

The US Embassy invited media men to inspect and photograph the vessel as a sign of its goodwill to the Filipinos. The vessel is home ported in San Diego, California and is here to restock and for a rest stop for its crew.

The 155.30-meter and 9, 300-ton destroyer will remain in Manila until February 11, the embassy said.

The embassy said while in Manila, the sailors of USS Pinckney are eager to strengthen their understanding of the country with such historical ties with the US.

Named after World War II hero Cook First Class William Pinckney, the destroyer deployed a month ago for maritime security operations and sea exercises, is the second American ship to arrive in the Philippines this year following USS Shiloh, which docked in Cebu last January 31.

The missile cruiser, manned by 390 sailors, was in Cebu for four days for restocking and rest and relaxation.

The USS Pinckney is part of the US Pacific Fleet led by Cdr. Frank E. Okata with approximately 300 sailors, including the 10 Filipino-American crew.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney has 10 Filipino-American crewmembers.

http://manilatimes.net/filam-sailor-on-us-warship-greets-pnoy-on-his-54th-birthday/74203/