2 US warships on patrol in disputed seas dock at Subic

ONE OF the two American warships conducting surveillance patrols in the West Philippine Sea, site of territorial disputes between the Philippines and China, docks at Subic. ALLAN MACATUNO/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Two warships belonging to a carrier strike group of the US Navy arrived here on Saturday for a routine port visit.

Guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) docked at the Alava Pier inside this free port at 9 a.m.

The ships are part of the John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) that is patrolling the West Philippine Sea.

The strike group arrived in the country three days after two Chinese fighter jets intercepted a US military reconnaissance aircraft in a routine patrol in the international airspace over the West Philippine Sea this week.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said 8,500 sailors made up the strike group. It said 238 of the sailors had Filipino heritage.

The relatives of some of the US sailors were seen waiting outside the Alava Pier when the ships arrived.

“Many of our sailors look forward to reconnecting with family and friends in the local area,” said Rear Adm. Marcus Hitchcock, commander of JCSSG.

According to the US Embassy, the strike group personnel will conduct cultural exchanges with Filipinos by participating in community relations projects.

The American sailors are also scheduled to visit local elementary schools, cemeteries and a medical center. Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon