Warm Welcome For Thousands of US Sailors, Marines in Subic (SBN Exclusive)

September 15, 2013February 8, 2015 Vic Vizcocho 0 Comments

SUBIC BAY, Philippines – Residents and businessmen here are eagerly awaiting the arrival on Monday, 16 September 2013, of two US Navy vessels with a combined total of around 4,000 American sailors and marines.

The US Navy Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Ship USS Boxer (LHD4) will be joining the Submarine Tender Ship USS Emory S. Land, a frequent Subic visitor which arrived earlier, at Alava Pier while the Amphibious Transport Dock Ship USS New Orleans (LPD18) will dock at Rivera Pier.

USS Boxer final — Sailors and Marines man the rails on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) as it leaves San Diego, California for deployment. USS Boxer is on a regularly scheduled deployment as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG), comprised of USS Boxer, amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harper’s Ferry (LSD 49) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Jeffries)

“We welcome the ships’ arrival as we’ve always done since this place was still host to a US Naval Base,” Ramon del Rosario, president of the Metro-Olongapo Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MOCCI) said, “it’s good to have them back with increased presence.”

Del Rosario said the US Navy ships’ arrival will certainly perk up the local economy from the expected spending of thousands of US sailors and marines on top of the supplies and services the ships require while in port. “There certainly will be a positive ripple effect on the economy that will benefit all sectors of the community, from the business owners to employees,” he said, “including public transport, entertainment, hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and many others.”

Earlier, Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino has assured US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas of the safety and security of US sailors and marines in the city just outside the fenced area of the former US Naval Base.

The USS Boxer and USS New Orleans will stay in Subic until Friday, 20 September 2013, during which community outreach services are expected to be rendered by US sailors and marines to several communities within and around Olongapo and Zambales.

Massive preparations at Subic’s docks have been undertaken since last week for the arrival of the ships and crew to ensure a well-organized docking and rendering of port services.

The USS Boxer and USS New Orleans, both of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG), left their home port at San Diego, California, USA on 23 August 2013. (Vic V.Vizcocho, Jr.) ***