US nuclear-powered warship stops in Manila after patrolling South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — One of the US Navy's nuclear-powered "supercarrier" docked in Manila Wednesday after sailing through the South China Sea.

Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), along with Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 52) arrived in the Philippines for a brief port call.

US Navy and Philippine Navy personnel will take part in sporting events, senior leadership exchanges, community relations and cultural events while the visiting ships are in the country.

"This visit is a great representation of our strong friendship, partnership and alliance with the Philippines, as well as a testament to our joint commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region," US Ambassador Sung Kim said in a statement.

Rear Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of US Task Force 70, said the port call reflects the decades-old relationship between the Philippines and the US.

"Visiting the Philippines is always incredible and I'm glad that the officers and sailors of Carrier Strike Group 5 will have the chance to deepen ties with our critical ally, while enjoying the culture and beauty of this wonderful country," Thomas said.

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike group, composed of USS Ronald Reagan, USS Chancellorsville and USS Antietam are forward-deployed to the US 7th Fleet operating in the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Navy aircraft carrier and the two guided-missile cruisers last visited the Philippines in June 2018 as part of its routine patrol in the Pacific.

Nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan is carrying about 70 supersonic F/A-18 jets, spy planes and helicopters as it patrols the South China Sea.