USN fields guided-missile destroyer in CARAT exercise in Subic Bay

US Naval Base in Subic Bay / Wikipedia Photo

ZAMBALES — The United States Navy fielded two warships, one a missile-guided destroyer, in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise with the Philippine Navy in Subic Bay that started Thursday and to go on until Monday.

The 25-year old missile-equipped USS John McCain docked at the Alava wharf inside the Subic Bay Freeport is 154 meters long, 20.

4 meters high and with draft of 9.3 meters.

It is based in Yokosuka, Japan with 33 officers, 34 chief petty officers and 262 men.

It has a speed of 30 knots.

Lt JG Blaine Shipley, anti-submarine warfare officer, said the ship has combination of missiles, torpedoes and machine guns in its missile deck.

There are anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine missiles and also tomahawks and standard missiles.

The warship has also a post office and an Automated Teller Machine for use of its sailors and officers.

Shipley with chief petty officer Arnold Libongco, assistant engineering department head, showed various portions of the ship from the Pilot House or Bridge to the missile deck.

Libongco is a Filipino from San Mateo, Rizal.

Shipley said all charts in the Bridge are all electronically-operated.

“USS John McCain has not fought in any war but has undertaken exercises with the navies of the Philippines, Japan and Korea,” Shipley said.

He said that there will be firing exercises like firing missiles on moving target during the CARAT.

Another warship participating in CARAT in Subic Bay is USS Ashland, a dock landing ship.

A third ship which was not identified is in Sangley Point in Cavite.