MANILA, Philippines - Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754) arrived yesterday in Subic Bay as part of what the US Navy called routine Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.
“The United States Navy continues to enjoy a close relationship with the Republic of the Philippines,” said Cmdr. David P. Lammers, commanding officer.
The Topeka followed the USS Texas which docked last week.
“Through port visits such as this one, we strengthen our ties and foster valuable cultural exchange,” he said.
“The more we interact, the better we will understand one another and the stronger our alliance will become. I appreciate the efforts that make us feel so welcome when we visit Subic Bay,” he said.
The submarine has 160 crewmembers. Filipino-American sailors aboard will have an opportunity to connect with their heritage and culture. It is the first time for many crewmembers to visit the Philippines.
“Having moved from the Philippines and been raised in California from the age of three, I never really had a chance to experience true Filipino culture outside of my own family,” said Machinist Mate 1st Class Juan Paulo Reyes. “This trip to Subic that the Navy has offered me is a great opportunity to explore my heritage and connect with members of my family still in the Philippines.”
Topeka is capable of operating at depths greater than 800 feet at speeds up to 25 nautical miles per hour.
Measuring more than 300 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons, Topeka, commissioned in 1989, is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world. It is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance.– With Jaime Laude