SUBIC BAY, Philippines – The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) arrived at Subic Bay March 9 for a port visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.
With a crew of approximately 150, Charlotte will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiency of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.
“The officers and crew are very excited to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation in the Philippines,” said Cmdr. Andrew Miller, commanding officer. “For me personally, I’ve never had the opportunity to visit Subic Bay in my previous four deployments, so I’m really looking forward to our visit and strengthening the strategic partnership of our two nations.”
For many crew members, Charlotte’s stop in Subic Bay is their first visit to the Philippines.
“It’s been challenging and rewarding serving at sea, but I am very excited about experiencing a whole new culture and taking in a few of the sights in Subic Bay,” said Machinist’s Mate (Auxiliary) 3rd Class Tyler Hage.
Charlotte’s Filipino-American Sailors were anxious to visit and interact with their heritage.
“I did not expect to be fortunate enough to come to the Philippines with the U.S. Navy,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Junnel Sapida. “It’s a treat to be back. One of the reasons why I joined the Navy, beyond service to our nation, was to travel.”
Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Charlotte is one of the most advanced submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.
Charlotte was christened Oct. 3, 1992 at Newport News Shipbuilding by Mrs. Mary McCormack, the ship’s sponsor. Charlotte was commissioned on Sept. 16, 1994 In Norfolk and arrived at its current homeport of Pearl Harbor Nov. 17, 1995.