MANILA, Philippines – Dumating sa Pilipinas ang United States carrier strike group na pinangunahan ng USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) para sa nakatakdang port call nitong Biyernes, Enero 5 kasunod ng dalawang araw na maritime cooperative activity sa bansa sa West Philippine Sea.
Ang Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 ay kasalukuyang naka-deploy sa US 7th Fleet area of operations na susuporta sa malaya at bukas na Indo-Pacific.
“It is a pleasure for the Carrier Strike Group to visit the Republic of Philippines. The US and the Philippines are steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad allies,” ayon kay Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of CSG-1.
“Our two countries share democratic values, close cultural ties and our alliance has stood strong for over 72 years. As our oldest treaty ally in East Asia, the Philippines has shown their unwavering commitment in helping secure a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” dagdag pa niya.
Kasama ng USS Carl Vinson na dumaong ay ang Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) at Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) at USS Sterett (DDG 104).
Sinabi ng US Department of Defense na ang pagbisita ay marka ng karagdagang pagpapakita ng matibay na alyansa ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos.
Sa kanilang pamamalagi sa Maynila, nakilahok sa cultural exchanges at community relations event ang mga manlalaya mula sa CSG-1.
“By understanding and appreciating other cultural backgrounds, we can build stronger relationships, collaborate effectively and find common ground,” pahayag ni Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson.
“All of these are critical when it comes to supporting our allies and partners in the region,” dagdag niya.
Bago ang kanilang arrival, nagsagawa ang CSG-1 ng trilateral maritime exercises kasama ang Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at Republic of Korea Navy.
Bago pumasok sa US 7th Fleet area of operations, ang CSG-1 ay nakilahok na sa Multi-Large Deck Event at Annual Exercise 2023 sa Philippine Sea sa pagpapalakas ng regional cooperative efforts. RNT/JGC
