US ship patrols South China, West Phl seas

PORO POINT – The most modern naval vessel of the United States military apparently sailed past the watchful eye of Chinese ships patrolling wide areas of the South China and West Philippine seas to dock smoothly here on Thursday.

“We did not see any Chinese vessels. Our voyage was uneventful. There’s no problem,” said US Task Force Forager Commander James Meyer, whose men are here for a 10-day joint Asia-Pacific humanitarian mission in line with the United States military’s largest multilateral Pacific Partnership program aboard z

Meyer was responding to media questions on whether they, like their aerial counterparts, were challenged by patrolling Chinese coast guard and warships.

Fleet surgeon Capt. Joel Roos, who came via commercial flight from Tokyo, said “if there was a challenge, I think it would have made news already.” 

“It’s a very fast ship. First we just saw a dot but moments later it was already docking without asking for assistance from tugboats,” said one of the port workers here.

Last May 12, a Chinese Navy vessel shadowed the USS Forth Worth, a US littoral combat ship on routine patrol in the international waters near the disputed Spratly Island group, which China is claiming as an integral part of its maritime domain. But because of the previously agreed codes for unplanned encounters in an event both US and Chinese warships meet, an open confrontation was avoided.

It was not the same though for a US spy plane, which was challenged and asked to leave several times by the Chinese Navy. The plane was conducting aerial surveys over the disputed region.

The USNS Millinocket sailed from Solomon Islands to Poro Point in La Union, passing by some areas claimed by the Chinese without being accosted.

Described as a fast, flexible and maneuverable ship, Millinocket is designed for rapid intra-theater transport of troops and military equipment but can also be used for relief operations, rapid personnel or equipment transport and provide support to global fleet station operations, among others.

The presence of US warships in the country has triggered speculations that the US, after failing to convince China to halt its massive reclamation activities in the disputed Spratlys, is out to challenge Beijing’s aggressive behavior in the seas.

Meyer said La Union is their 4th stopover before proceeding to Vietnam to pursue humanitarian missions, which may include medical, dental, veterinary and engineering development services.

Philippine Navy Capt. Albert Mogol said the Americans would donate some medical supplies, tour the surfing San Juan town and visit Baguio and other historical sites.

He added that exchange-of-ideas sessions, which may focus on disaster preparedness, will also be held for trainers and students.

 Meyer said a curfew is imposed on all American personnel as part of security procedures and to show gratitude for the hospitality of host countries.

New Navy chief

Meanwhile, Malacañang has designated Rear Admiral Ceasar Taccad as the new Flag-Officer-in-Command (FOIC) of the Philippine Navy, replacing outgoing Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan who is retiring on Monday.

The designation was confirmed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in a text message. – Jaime Laude, Jun Elias