Filam commander of US warship visits Manila

October 27, 2007  --  Got something to say?
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commander of USS Milius Edmund HernandezMANILA Three US navy warships, one commanded by a Filipino American, last month made a five-day goodwill visit to the Philippines.

The crew of the navy ships - USS Milious (DDG-69) which is commanded by Edwin Hernandez, USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) and USS Chosin (CG-65) were in the country up to Sept. 16 to conduct community projects and take part in friendship building activities with their Filipino counterparts and citizens.

While the US navy press releases identify Hernandez as a Filipino American, there is no record in several websites to show his Filipino roots. The commanders and crew of the US warships participated in Gawad Kalinga construction projects and distributed toys, library books and medical supplies to the Department of Social Welfare for distribution to the less fortunate.

USS MILIUS (DDG-69Commander Hernandez of Milious, Commander James Aiken of USS Chung-Hoon and Capt. Steven A., Lott of USS Chosin and their crews were welcomed by a musical performance by the Philippine Navy Band in Manila. They later proceeded to Cebu.

The American people are committed to working with our friends and partners in the Philippines,” says Ambassador Kristie Kenney.

These ships demonstrate the strength of our partnership, and I know that the dedicated men and women on board are looking forward to seeing this beautiful country,” she added.

The US Embassy in Manila in a statement said the three warships have been tasked to protect vital world-trade routes and take part in regional naval exercises for international cooperation.

When USS Milius was stationed on the Arabian Gulf, it was engaged in board, search and seizure (VBSS)operations in support of the Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

One thing Milius brings to the mission is presence, said Cmdr. Hernandez, We are 505 feet long, 8,600 tons of Coalition warship. We are a very visible deterrent to crime at sea and a reassurance to fishermen and commercial vessels working in the area that we are committed to security so their work can occur safely.

We also bring highly trained VBSS teams that are able to carry out IPATs and other boarding operations aimed to build stronger ties with the local mariners and let them know that we are here to help if they should need it,” said Hernandez.


Posted by News Team | Filed Under Articles/Stories 

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