US sub personnel join police in 'shore patrol'

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga - US Navy personnel have reportedly joined local police in maintaining peace and order, particularly in entertainment areas in Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales, during the six-day port call of the nuclear-powered US submarine USS Ashville.

A Zambales executive said officers of USS Ashville, of the US Navy's Los Angeles class of submarines, which carries no nuclear weapons, volunteered some of its crewmen to accompany local policemen in "shore patrols" along Olongapo's Magsaysay Avenue and in Subic's entertainment district where the US Navy personnel are engaging in rest and recreation.

According to a radio message sent here, it was agreed upon during a meeting with USS Ashville officers that they would provide their own security in coordination with the Magsaysay (Olongapo) and Subic police stations.

The US submarine, with 130 crew members, including 15 officers, arrived in Subic last Friday for the six-day port call that includes civic projects in Dinalupihan, Zambales.

The 362 feet long, 6,000-ton sub is now docked at the Alaya pier at the former ship repair facility in Subic, a former US naval base. -