LAPU-LAPU CITY— The amphibious dock landing ship, USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) arrived in Cebu today (May 26) for a goodwill visit.
Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) spokesman, Ensign Joseph Ison said this is USS Pearl Harbor’s first visit to Cebu.
Aside from the goodwill visit, the US ship will also be here for its replenishment of supplies and the R&R of its crew.
An arrival honors was rendered this morning by sailors and marines of the Navforcen upon their arrival at the Cebu International Port (CIP).
The US ship’s officers will pay courtesy calls to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Central Command chief, Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 chief, Police Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo and to Navforcen chief, Commodore Roberto Santos on Monday.
Navforcen officers and personnel will also have the chance to tour the ship and familiarize some of its operations.
USS Pearl Harbor is the last of the United States Navy’s four new cargo variants of the Whidbey Island class of Landing Dock Ships and the first ship to carry the name Pearl Harbor to commemorate the heroic actions of the members of the armed services as well as the citizens of the Island of Oahu during the attack on December 7, 1941.
It carries at least 300 officers and enlisted personnel and another 300 marines.
USS Pearl Harbor previously visited the Philippines in 2008.