USS Bremerton Arrives in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jared Aldape, USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors and civilian mariners from submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) conducted a coordinated tended mooring to bring Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) into Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines Dec. 29.

The visit to Subic Bay marks Bremerton's first routine port visit while on a scheduled Western Pacific deployment.

"My crew has worked hard and I am honored to allow them the opportunity to explore all that the Republic of the Philippines has to offer during this holiday season," said Cmdr. Caleb A. Kerr, Bremerton's commanding officer. "The Sailors of the USS Bremerton look forward to engaging the community and strengthening the historic ties and friendship that our countries share."

For some of Bremerton's crew, the port of call in the Republic of the Philippines is considered a milestone.

"Having served in the Navy for a few years, I've always heard great stories about my fellow submariners travels to the Philippines," said Sonar Technician (Submarine) 3rd Class Rigo Baca, assigned to Bremerton. "Now, I can finally say that I've made it here. I look forward to unwinding with my shipmates and creating lasting memories."

During Bremerton's visit, Sailors from both Bremerton and Land will participate in various local events.

"The Sailors onboard Land and our extended Bremerton family will be involved in a city parade this holiday" said Lt. Aaron Roberton, Land's command chaplain. " We are also involved in a few ongoing projects to help out the city of Olongapo and neighboring communities".

Bremerton, homeported in Pearl Harbor, is on a Western Pacific deployment while Land, homeported in Diego Garcia is undergoing a voyage repair period in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. Land, is a forward deployed expeditionary submarine tender on an extended deployment conducting coordinated tending moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Operations.