GOA, India (NNS) -- Forward-deployed submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) completed a successful port visit to Goa, India, Aug. 4.

The Frank Cable team, consisting of more than 500 Sailors and civilian mariners is currently on deployment to provide vital flexibility to fleet commanders, extending the range and impact of U.S. naval forces.

The visit was aimed at building friendship and goodwill between the U.S. Navy and the people of India. Frank Cable hosted the Flag Officer, Goa Area, Rear Adm. Puneet Kumar Bahl and the ship's Religious Ministry Department conducted two community relations (COMREL) projects.

"Frank Cable completed, what I think, was a successful port call that is helping to create with India, the defining partnership of the 21st century," said Capt. Drew St. John, commanding officer of Frank Cable. "I'm extremely grateful to our gracious hosts here, and was honored to host Rear Adm. Bahl aboard. Our Sailors and civilian mariners were great ambassadors while on liberty or participating in community relations projects."

"Frank Cable still has a mission to do, being flexible, adaptable and extending the range and impact so U.S. naval forces can be a persistent force in the region," St. John added.

Sailors participated in two COMRELs, spent time talking to inquisitive children about what Frank Cable does and played games to help foster a better understanding between the United States and the people of India.

"The experience with the children was heartfelt and awesome," said Chief Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) Charles Clarke, a native of Flint, Michigan. "They were sweet, smart and full of energy. Upon our departure, a young girl who demonstrated a traditional dance for us, asked me to come closer so she could whisper in my ear, 'I'm going to miss you all so much when you leave.'"

Sailors were also able to rest and relax while enjoying the local culture. Frank Cable's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department offered various tours, ranging from exploring old Goa -- which was a Portuguese colony for more than 400 hundred years -- to having a lunch at a spice plantation and touring the grounds afterwards.

Frank Cable is one of two forward-deployed submarine tenders and 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.