US warship makes port call in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The USS Curtis Wilbur, a US guided-missile destroyer, is on a routine port call in Manila as part of US efforts to strengthen its long-standing military and community cooperation with the Philippines. 

The crew of the US warship, which arrived in Manila on Wednesday, July 20, will participate in “community relations projects and sporting events, while experiencing Filipino culture,” the US embassy said in a press statement on Friday, July 22.

“This port visit is an opportunity to experience another culture and act as ambassadors to the Philippines. The importance of our presence here, both at sea and in port, cannot be overstated,” said Lieutenant Junior Grade Ben Sleister, Curtis Wilbur’s assistant damage control officer.

In April 2014, the Philippines and the US signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, an executive agreement that gives US troops, planes and ships increased rotational presence in Philippine military bases, and allows Washington to build facilities to store fuel and equipment there.

The Curtis Wilbur is on patrol with Carrier Strike Group 5 in the US 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, the US embassy said.

On January 29, the warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island in the disputed Paracel Islands, which is claimed by China.

 The US Pentagon said at the time that it was a “freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea…”to challenge excessive maritime claims of parties that claim the Paracel Islands.”

China had slammed the sail-by as “dangerous and irresponsible.”

The Curtis Wilbur’s crewmembers include Filipino-Americans, such as Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Fitz Dasal, who was born in Bacolod City in Negros Occidental.

Dasal’s wife and children, all US citizens, currently live in Bacolod. 

“I’m very excited and grateful to see them tomorrow. I’m thankful that the Navy granted me the opportunity to see my loved ones. The Philippines is a great country and I encourage everyone to get out and experience the culture to the fullest,” he said. – Rappler.com