MANILA, Philippines — One of the fastest US military ships arrived in Puerto Princesa City on Monday for bilateral training with Philippine marines.
Spearhead-class joint high speed vessel USNS Millinocket, with US 7th Fleet staff sailors and marines aboard, arrived in the country as part of the fleet's theater security patrol, the US Navy said.
In 2015, the Millinocket visited San Fernando, La Union for a humanitarian mission. The ship sailed from Solomon Islands to Poro Point and passed by some areas claimed by the Chinese.
While in Puerto Princesa, the 7th Fleet service members, including their band and Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific, will also engage in subject matter exchanges, band performances, community outreach and senior leader discussions.
US 7th Fleet deputy commander Rear Adm. Joey Dodgen is set to meet with government and military officials in Puerto Princesa. He will also be hosting a reception aboard Millinocket for local dignitaries.
"Our discussions with the Republic of the Philippines continue to focus on strengthening our alliance through increased interoperability and capabilities. I hope my brief interactions with a variety of community and military leaders here in Puerto Princesa will be the beginnings of fruitful relationships," Dodgen said.
Capt. Bernie Wang, 7th Fleet Plans and Theater Security Cooperation director, said that interactions with previous countries in every port visit have been positive.
Prior to arriving in the Philippines, the Millinocket also conducted port visits to Malaysia and Singapore where they held flag-level staff talks, community relations projects and band engagements.
The visits sought to enhance relationships and partnerships throughout the Indo Pacific to show the 7th Fleet's commitment to the region.
Wang noted that the Philippines played a "crucial part" in US naval history.
"Our alliance is built on a strong foundation of shared values and sacrifices, and we look forward to doing our part here in Puerto Princesa to contribute to that relationship and partnership. I believe the key to our success is a dedicated group of core staff and their ability to bring people together in a focused effort," Wang said.
Assets of the fleet have participated in activities with the Philippines in the past years such as Pacific Partnership, Balikatan and MTA Sama Sama. The fleet had also participated in counter-piracy and antiterrorism missions, construction projects, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief projects with their Filipino counterparts.
The operations of the 7th Fleet covers 124 million square kilometers over 36 maritime countries with between 50 to 70 ships and submarines, 140 aircraft and an estimated 20,000 sailors. — Patricia Lourdes Viray