Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived at Changi Naval Base Nov. 27 as part of the ship's ongoing forward deployed mission to provide expeditionary maintenance, repairs and logistical services to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

While in Singapore, Land will be performing logistics and refueling operations due to the distribution of supplies during relief efforts in the Republic of the Philippines as part of Operation Damayan.

Land's relief efforts while in the Republic of the Philippines consisted of clearing debris from the airport, and the transfer of material and supplies to and from aircraft in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

"Though we were only in the Philippines for a short time, I believe we made a significant difference in the relief efforts," said Capt. Edward L. Herrington, Land's commanding officer. "Now that we are in Singapore, this will be a great opportunity for the ship and crew to begin focusing on additional tasking and future operations as directed by our fleet commanders."

In Singapore, the crew of the Land will be strengthening the ongoing relationship between the two nations by participating in multiple community service events or COMSERVS. "It is always great to get out and intermingle with host nations and their people," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jed Bantugan. "The COMSERVS are always a great way to learn about the cultures of other countries."

Land's Sailors will also be soaking up the sights of Singapore thanks to an array of tours put together by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department. "For many of our Sailors it is their first visit to Singapore, so we wanted to make sure they have the chance to enjoy the best parts of it," said Information Systems Technician Chief Jon-David Crawford, the ship's MWR representative.

Homeported in Diego Garcia, Land is a forward deployed expeditionary submarine tender on an extended deployment conducting coordinated tended moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

This article was originally published at: http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/030311