US aircraft carrier in RP for 4-day visit

By: Mario J Mallari, The Daily Tribune

Saturday, 04 September 2010

A United States aircraft carrier will arrive
today for a four-day goodwill visit in the
country, a Navy spokesman said yesterday.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said
that USS George Washington (CVN-73),under the
command of Rear Admiral Dan Cloyd, is expected
to arrive at the vicinity of Corregidor Island
at around 5 a.m.

Arevalo said that Philippine Navy ship BRP
Leopoldo Regis (PG-847) will meet the US aircraft
carrier and escort it to the vicinity of Mall
of Asia in Pasay City where it will dock during
its four-day stay.

"The goodwill visit highlights the strong historic,
community and military connections between the
United States and the Republic the Philippines,"
said Arevalo.

"This paves the way for further strengthening the
ties that bind both countries especially the united
commitment to defeat terrorism. Among the community
of nations aspiring for peace and stability in
the region, the Philippines and the United States
of America stand as enduring and dependable allies,"
added Arevalo.

Arevalo said that the visit serves as good
avenue to discuss with US counterparts the
possibilities for closer linkages such as
mutual visits, exchange of subject matter
experts and research analysts, and similar
activities that would contribute to a
mutually beneficial relationship between
the Philippines and US armed forces in the
area of defense and military research.

"Moreover, this will give opportunity for
both navies to learn from one another the
best practices in technology and warfare,"
said Arevalo.

The Navy spokesman said that the officers
and personnel of both navies are also
scheduled to participate in Coastal Clean-up
of Estero de San Miguel on Monday as part
of the goodwill visit's humanitarian and
civic action.

The goodwill visit came at a time when the
Philippines relation with China was tainted
by the killing of eight Hong Kong nationals
during a bloody hostage-taking at the
Quirino Grandstand on Aug 23.