US Navy ship docks in Cebu for 3 days

CEBU, Philippines - In line with the “America in 3D” program of the United States Embassy, a US Navy destroyer, the USS Russell, will arrive and will be anchored off in Cebu this weekend.

In a statement, US Embassy Information Officer Yolly de Guzman said the USS Russell (DDG-59) is the second US Navy ship to bear the name. The original Russell (DD 414) was laid down in 1937 and participated in the liberation of the Philippines in 1944 and 1945.

The first ship also saw action in Tacloban, Alabat Point, San Pedro Bay, and Leyte Gulf and prevailed in an “extraordinary number of battles” during World War II.

The current USS Russell participated in the bilateral Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in the Philippines in 2004.

The second ship, meanwhile, was built in 1992 with Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as its home port. Its 32 officers and 251 enlisted personnel is being headed by Commander Joseph Carrigan, Commander Officer, and by Commander Gary Cave, Executive Officer.

On Saturday, USS Russel will welcome local journalists for a special tour on board.

The “America in 3D” program will open in Cebu City starting tomorrow until Sunday at SM City Cebu. The three-day event will highlight American culture and values and services the US is offering in the Philippines.

De Guzman said the activities are free to the public. Among the events are musical and dance performances of American genres, including blues, country music, hip-hop, Broadway, and contemporary hits.

America in 3D is a nationwide initiative that takes the Embassy on the road throughout the Philippines in order to deepen the relationship between Americans and Filipinos.

Cebu City is the third stop for the initiative after Quezon City in March and Baguio in July. – (FREEMAN)