Frank Cable Arrives in Puerto Princesa, Philippines for Port Visit

13 June 2016

From Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alana Langdon

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines -- Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in Puerto Princesa for a scheduled port visit June 11.

The port visit will allow Frank Cable Sailors and Military Sealift Command mariners to enjoy some rest and relaxation and allow them to experience the Philippine culture.

Frank Cable's Commanding Officer, Capt. Drew St. John said these opportunities to enjoy liberty in a country with a close and historic relationship with the United States are important to the mission of the United States Navy and Frank Cable.

"Our two countries have strong ties we trace back to the shared sacrifices of World War II," said St. John. "This visit is special to my crew, including many who have close personal ties to the Philippines. Our Sailors act as diplomats for the United States every day, and through their varied interactions with the local population they strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries."

One way Sailors will interact with the local community is through various community service projects, sponsored by the ship's religious ministries.

"Doing [community service projects] is one of my favorite parts of visiting foreign ports," said Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Caleb Bednarz, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia. "We are here on liberty to experience the culture and make a positive impact with the local community. I think there is no better way to do that than by giving some personal time up."

Many Sailors will also be able to spend time with their families and friends who are residents of the Philippines.

"It has been truly a blessing going back to my homeland," said Machinery Repairman Fireman Carl Paguirigan, whose family lives about three hours away. "The last time I [was] here was December 2014 when I spent Christmas with my family. I plan on surprising my mother; she's dying to know when I'll be coming back. I cannot wait to taste my mother's home cooking again."

Frank Cable is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to conduct maintenance and support deployed U.S. naval force submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more information on Frank Cable, find us on Facebook at USS Frank Cable (AS 40), orhttp://www.csp.navy.mil/frankcable/.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visithttp://www.navy.mil/local/csg7/.