More US Navy Ships Now In Subic

Subic Bay, PHILIPPINES – Rains hampered visibility in Subic Bay this afternoon but not the arrival of the US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD4) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS New Orleans.

Tug Boats successfully guided the ships toward the piers of  the Subic Bay Freeport, a former US Naval Base. The USS Boxer and the amphibious dock landing ship USS New Orleans are both part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG).

Local residents and businessmen eagerly awaited the ships and some 4000 US sailors and marines on them, in anticipation of dollars flowing into the local economy in the next five days of their stay.

Aside from individual spending of the officers & crew for rest & recreation, souvenirs and personal services, the US Navy spends  millions of dollars in port services, supply and other requirements while in port.

Another US Navy ship, the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land, a frequent Subic visitor, arrived earlier last week and is also in Subic at present. (Vic V. VIZCOCHO, Jr.)