SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, Nov. 16, for a port visit while operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

During the port visit, Sailors and Marines will have the opportunity to experience the local culture through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) events and a community service project.

Subic Bay marks the second port visit for Comstock after departing Naval Station San Diego, Oct. 14, for a deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation. Several Sailors and Marines will also get to spend time with their families and experience the local culture while learning about their own heritage.

"I am very proud that my first port visit as the commanding officer of Comstock was to my birthplace, Guam, and I'm even more honored that our next port visit will be to the country where my mother and father were born -- Subic Bay, Philippines," said Comstock Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gervy Alota. "It will be a fantastic opportunity for my crew to enjoy and learn about the beautiful history and culture of Subic Bay, and to strengthen the already close ties between our two nations. I look forward to reuniting with my family and forming new friendships with the people of Subic Bay."

Comstock, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 11th MEU in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

While in 7th Fleet, the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU will be assigned to Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force, headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa.