US submarine docks in Subic Bay

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines —  A Los Angeles-class attack submarine arrived yesterday at the Subic Bay freeport for a routine port visit.

In a statement, the US embassy said the visit “highlights the strong partnership between the US and the Philippines and gives the crew an opportunity to meet the local community.”

“It also demonstrates the US Navy’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the US 7th Fleet area of operations,” the statement read.

 Measuring more than 300 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons, the USS Bremerton is capable of supporting anti-submarine, anti-surface and mine warfare.

The submarine has 150 crewmembers who regularly conduct a variety of missions to maintain proficiency on the latest submarine fleet capabilities. 

“Its stealth, mobility, endurance and firepower allow Bremerton to work independently or in conjunction with a carrier strike group,” the US embassy said.

Bremerton commanding officer Travis Zettel said it is the submarine’s ninth and final visit to Subic Bay in 37 years. 

“My crew and I are looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the local community while simultaneously preparing the ship for the remainder of our deployment,” Zettel said.

Bremerton, the oldest commissioned submarine of the US Navy, is currently homeported in Pearl Harbor.  Later this year, it will move to Washington, where it will be decommissioned after nearly 40 years of naval service. – Pia Lee-Brago, Jaime Laude