US assault ship in Manila for port visit

MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,500 sailors and Marines aboard a US warship are visiting Manila in what officials described as a visit to enhance strong ties between the treaty allies, and to experience Philippine culture.

The USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship with a medical capability second only to the two US military hospital ships, entered Manila Bay the other day and will be in the country until Thursday before sailing to Japan.

Apart from rest and recreation for its crew, the ship is also providing assistance in relief efforts for those affected by the continuing restiveness of Mayon Volcano.

Capt. Larry McCullen, commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard, told visiting journalists yesterday that the ship’s 1,200 sailors and about 1,300 Marines, including over 100 Filipino-Americans, “have worked hard over the past few weeks conducting exercises and underway operations.”

“Following exercise Cobra Gold, we’ve continued our shipboard training and patrol, and now we have the opportunity to experience liberty in Manila. I’m grateful for the chance to share the amazing culture of the Philippines with the crew during this port call,” McCullen said.

The ship, which carries 12 assault amphibious vehicles, has several types of helicopters, including Ospreys, on its 88,000-square-foot flight deck. It is the flagship of an expeditionary strike group operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The ship’s 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is the only such unit in the Marine Corps that is continuously forward deployed.

US officials stressed that the Bonhomme Richard is not on a freedom of navigation mission, and its Manila port call is part of “routine deployment operations.” The ship’s principal mission in the region is to provide humanitarian assistance.

Also visiting the warship yesterday were Ambassadors Sung Kim of the United States, Koji Haneda of Japan and Han Dong-Man of South Korea.