US Navy ship to dock in Manila on its first visit to Southeast Asia

Another United States navy ship will arrive in Manila on Tuesday for its first-ever port visit in Southeast Asia, the US Embassy in Manila announced on Monday. 

However, the visit of the USS Freedom (LCS-1), the US Navy's first littoral combat ship, however is not related to the ongoing Balikatan military exercises between the US and Philippines. 

The USS Freedom is designed to conduct missions in shallow waters, capable against submarines and ships as well as minesweeping and humanitarian relief. 

The USS Freedom was commissioned on November 8, 2008 with its home port in San Diego. 

According to the US Embassy, the ship's crew which also includes Filipino-Americans will use the time to relax and visit relatives in Manila, Quezon, Tarlac, and Zambales. The ship will also refuel and receive supplies. 

From Manila, the ship will then head to Singapore to participate in the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference as well as in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercises in Southeast Asia.-Interaksyon (April 08, 2013 4:29PM)