The visit reinforced the longstanding U.S.-Philippine alliance that has been a key component in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Frank Cable last visited Puerto Princesa in June 2016, for a routine port visit where crew members engaged in several community service projects to enhance the people-to-people ties central to international relationships.

“The U.S. and Philippines’ alliance is built on strong historical connections and a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Mike Thompson, commanding officer of Frank Cable. “This port visit, and those like it, strengthen our shared commitment to maritime security.”

The Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951, established the alliance between the U.S. and Philippines that continues to this day as one of the foundations safeguarding stability and prosperity for the Indo-Pacific.

Frank Cable, forward-deployed to the island of Guam, provides expeditionary maintenance, services, and logistics support to deployed submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific region.

Frank Cable is underway supporting 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, operating with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.