US ship visits Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A United States ship arrived in Manila yesterday for a routine port call.

The US embassy announced Friday that the USS New Orleans, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, will arrive for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the US and the Philippines. 

The embassy said this visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation. 

The USS New Orleans, whose homeport is in San Diego, California, is part of the US Pacific Fleet. The New Orleans is commanded by Cdr. David Ray and crewed by approximately 360 sailors. Approximately 750 Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are  on board the ship.

On March 18, US 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge arrived at Manila South Harbor for a routine port call and a four-day goodwill visit.