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MANILA, Republic of the Philippines –
The guided missile destroyer, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived
in Manila, Republic of the Philippines (RP) for a port visit Jan.
29.
While visiting the RP’s capitol city, Wayne E. Meyer plans to host
ship tours and conduct a community service project at the village of
Batasan Pambansa Hills in Quezon City, a part of metro Manila.
“The United States has a close and long standing relationship with
the people and government of the Republic of the Philippines,” said
Lt. Cmdr. Peter Hoegel, executive officer of Wayne E. Meyer. “They
are one of our most important allies in the Pacific.”
The stop in Manila is the last overseas port visit scheduled for
Wayne E. Meyer’s maiden deployment, and leadership aboard sees the
visit as an opportunity for engagement as well as a chance for the
crew to experience different cultures.
“I see this port visit as an excellent opportunity for engagement,”
said Hoegel. “This visit is a hard-earned break for the crew and we
are all looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the hospitality of
our host nation.”
To aid in the relaxation part of the visit, the ship’s Morale,
Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program is offering Sailors a variety
of local tours and activities.
“I’m really looking forward to visiting Manila and sightseeing,”
said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 3rd Class Alicia Harry. “I
usually do the MWR tours when they are offered. It’s a great
opportunity to get out and see what a city has to offer. Manila has
a lot of historically interesting places and I’m really excited to
get around to seeing them.”
For a few Sailors stationed aboard Wayne E. Meyer, stopping in
Manila means a return home or to family members living there. For
Cmdr. Leopoldo Albea Jr., commanding officer of Wayne E. Meyer,
stopping in Manila means returning to the country his father,
retired Master Chief Mess Management Specialist Leopoldo Albea Sr.
left decades ago to join the U.S. Navy. Albea Sr. returned to the RP
after retiring with more than 28 years of service in the U.S. Navy.
“For me, stopping in the Philippines is like coming full circle,”
said Albea. “It was with a deep sense of pride that my father left
this country to start a career in the United States Navy, and today
I also feel that deep sense of pride as Filipino-American returning
in command of USS Wayne E. Meyer.”
In late August, Wayne E. Meyer, and other ships from the John C.
Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) were scheduled to visit Manila
but cancelled the visit due to weather conditions posed by Typhoon
Mina.
“We didn’t get to pull into Manila the last time around and
unfortunately this time my father will not be able to join me, but I
know he is still proud of my accomplishments,” said Albea. “My
father left the Philippines with the goal of joining the Navy,
starting a family and building a home. Now I get to return while
serving in the same Navy he left to join.”
USS Wayne E. Meyer departed its homeport of San Diego on July 29,
and is currently assigned to the JCSCSG. Wayne E. Meyer is deployed
to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations conducting maritime
security operations and cooperative engagements with regional
partners. |
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