US attack sub now in Subic

THE USS CHICAGO in a photo released by the US government PHOTO COURTESY OF THE US EMBASSY

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—A US warship carrying 135 sailors arrived in this former American naval base on Friday for a routine port call.

The USS Chicago (SSN 721), a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, docked at  Alava Pier here at 10:30 a.m. along with the submarine tender USNS Emory Land.

The warship’s visit coincided with the start of the annual Balikatan exercises that are taking place in several areas of the country, including  Naval Education Training Center in San Antonio town, Zambales province.

A statement from the US Embassy in Manila said the visit would allow the ship to “replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.”

The USS Chicago is part of the US Pacific Fleet and is based in Guam. It is commanded by US Cmdr. Lance Thompson.

The warship spans 110 meters long and weighs over 7,000 tons when submerged.

“Chicago is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including antisubmarine warfare, antisurface ship warfare, strike and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,” the US Embassy said.

On March 25, the USS Michigan, an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, arrived here along with the USNS Walter S. Diehl, a replenishment vessel. Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon