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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider USS Charleston in Manila on 'routine' port visit

USS Charleston in Manila on 'routine' port visit

Published Aug 18, 2021 01:23 pm

Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) has arrived in Manila for a “routine" port visit, highlighting the strong alliance, military relationship and renewed engagements between the Philippines and the United States.

A United States navy man raises the American flag aboard USS Charleston. (via United States Navy)

This is the first time that a commissioned US Navy warship has visited the Philippines since 2019. It also comes weeks after President Duterte lifted the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the arrangement that allows US forces to operate from the Philippines for bilateral military engagements and in response to disasters or crisis.

In view of COVID-19 safety mitigation, the Charleston’s visit was contactless, meaning the ship’s crew remained aboard where they were afforded rest and replenishment of supplies.

The routine port visit is a continuation of the relationship as treaty allies and furthers the friendship, partnership and alliance between the US and the Philippines.

“Our U.S. Navy ships’ presence at sea and in ports like Manila promote security and stability that drives the peace and prosperity for the benefit of regional countries,” said Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.

Thomas expressed his appreciation for the “flexibility to resupply US ships in the Philippines and prepare to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Aside from routine port visits, the US also participates in about 300 bilateral engagements a year, from expert exchanges to ship visits, to component exercises and major training exercises that include Balikatan, Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), and Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama.

These exercises signify the joint commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Related Tags

75th Anniversary US-Philippines Bilateral Relations visiting forces agreement (VFA) US-Philippines alliance USS Charleston United States Navy Routine Port Call
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