One of the guided-missile destroyers of the US Seventh Fleet has arrived in Manila for a “routine port call” amid China’s continuing defiance of the Permanent Court of Arbitation ruling that declared Beijing’s “nine-dash line” illegal and its territorial claims lacking historical basis.
“The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur [DDG 54], arrived in Manila on July 20 for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the Philippines and the United States,” a statement from the US Embassy in Manila said.
Curtis Wilbur is on patrol with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 in the US 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
The 300-strong crew warship, which is home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan, is its second officially announced visit this year since the first one in January after the Supreme Court declared as constitutional the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the US.
The agreement is widely seen as a deterrent to China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where it destroyed coral reefs and converted these into artificial islands for military purposes within the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) town in Palawan, Philippine officials said.
“During the visit, service members from Curtis Wilbur will participate in a series of community relations projects and sporting events, while experiencing Filipino culture,” the embassy said.
“Although some Curtis Wilbur sailors will be experiencing the Philippines for the first time, others like Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Fitz Dasal, are looking forward to seeing the Philippines again because they are Filipino-American,” it added.
“I was born in Bacolod, Philippines, which is south of Manila,” said Dasal.
“My wife and children are all US citizens, but they currently live in Bacolod. I’m very excited and grateful to see them tomorrow. I’m thankful that the Navy granted me the opportunity to see my loved ones. The Philippines is a great country and I encourage everyone to get out and experience the culture to the fullest,” he added.
“Wherever we go in the world, Navy Sailors represent the United States of America,” said Lt. j.g. Ben Sleister, Curtis Wilbur’s assistant damage control officer. “This port visit is an opportunity to experience another culture and act as ambassadors to the Philippines. ‘‘The importance of our presence here, both at sea and in port, cannot be overstated.”