September 13, 2007

 

U.S. Navy Ships Visiting Philippines to Conduct Community Project

 

 

            Three U.S. Navy ships -- USS MILIUS (DDG-69), USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG-93) and USS CHOSIN (CG-65) -- will visit the Philippines September 12-16 to conduct community projects and participate in friendship building activities with their Philippine counterparts and local citizens.

USS MILIUS and USS CHUNG-HOON are scheduled to arrive in Manila on September 12 and the USS CHOSIN will arrive in Cebu on September 13. The ships in Manila will be greeted with a performance by the Philippine Navy Band. These visits reflect the longstanding military, historical and personal ties between our two countries as well as our continued commitment to work together to assist people in need of humanitarian outreach.

During this visit, the ships’ Commanding Officers will be turning over a variety of items including toys, library books and medical supplies to the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development for distribution to those in need. These items were donated by the American people. In addition, sailors from the vessels will be participating in Gawad Kalinga projects, working to build homes for local citizens.

"The American people are committed to working with our friends and partners in the Philippines,” says Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney. “I’m proud that these ships are visiting the Philippines, and I know that the dedicated men and women on board are excited to visit this beautiful country.”

USS MILIUS, USS CHUNG-HOON and USS CHOSIN all serve in the U.S. 7 th Fleet. At sea, these ships protect vital world trade routes, and participate in regional naval exercises to foster international naval cooperation.

USS MILIUS is commanded by Filipino-American Commander Edmund Hernandez and based in San Diego, California. USS CHUNG-HOON is commanded by Commander James Aiken and is based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. USS CHOSIN is commanded by Captain Steven A. Lott and is based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii .

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