By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Flewellyn
USS Antietam (CG 54) operates in the South China Sea on Monday ahead of visiting Manila. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Marcus L. Stanley) >>
MANILA, Philippines - The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) arrived in Manila for a scheduled port visit on March 8.
During her stay, Antietam’s crew will participate in community service events and tours, and have time to enjoy the city.
“It’s my first time in the Philippines, so I’m excited to see what Manila has to offer,” said Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class Jacob Burwell.
For some members of the crew, however, coming to Manila is not an exotic port visit, but a chance to come home.
“I’m excited to go to see my family,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Virgilio Minimo. “I’m going to visit the Navy base close to where I grew up.”
Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Jamie Jacob, from Manila, was another Antietam Sailor who was looking forward to being home.
“My friend is having a baby shower, so I’m so happy I get to be here for that,” said Jacob. “I’m also happy that I’ll get to see my friends and family.”
Antietam, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.