US nuke-powered craft arrives in Manila today

MANILA, Philippines - The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the United States, USS John Stennis (CVN 74), is arriving in Manila today for a goodwill visit.

On its way for a seven-month deployment to the Persian Gulf, Stennis is scheduled to drop anchor at Manila Bay, according to an advisory from the US embassy.

Stennis’ arrival is expected to further boost the defense cooperation between the Philippines and the US as the allied states will be marking the 60th year of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) on Aug. 30.

The visit of USS Stennis comes following the arrival in Manila of BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a Hamilton-class all Weather Endurance Cutter that the Philippine government has acquired from the US Coast Guard.

Combined civil-military activities have been lined up for both Filipino and US sailors aboard the 97,000-ton nuclear-powered warship, along with their local navy counterparts.

“Crewmembers of the visiting US Navy ship and servicemen from the Philippine Navy will join teachers, students and partners of the Lawang Bato National High School in Valenzuela in a community service on Monday,” the US embassy said.

From Manila, USS Stennis with its crew of about 5,000 would be sailing to the Persian Gulf where it will be based for seven months.

The super carrier, dubbed as a floating airport, is a 1,092-foot long warship towering some 20 stories above the waterline.