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Frank Cable Arrives in Subic Bay for Repairs, Support

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110726-10
7/26/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Corey Hensley, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

SUBIC, Philippines (NNS) -- Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in the Republic of the Philippines for external repair work and to provide tended support a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine during a port visit to Subic Bay, July 22.

Cable's main mission is to conduct maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. This port visit to Subic Bay is one of many port visits the submarine tender has recently made along in the Western Pacific region.

Frank Cable is scheduled to perform various shipboard repairs while inport to include replacing fittings, handrails and parts of the hull. During this time, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine will also pull alongside, so Frank Cable can provide material and preservation support.

Frank Cable Commanding Officer, Capt. Pete Hildreth, said he has many goals in mind for his first port visit with his new command.

"The primary mission of the ship will be to support this submarine's port visit to Subic; to take advantage of the shipyard facilities available and to give us a chance do some community service projects," said Hildreth. "This will also give us a chance to further the 7th Fleet security cooperation mission."

Hildreth said it is important to the Navy's overall maritime strategy to demonstrate the capabilities of forward deployed vessels, especially when those vessels are away from their home ports.

"First and foremost, we're going to continue to improve Frank Cable's ability as a team to execute our mission," said Hildreth. "That includes continuing to improve the ship's material condition, which will allow us to do our WESTPAC (Western Pacific) maintenance mission in other ports [outside of our homeport], Guam."

For many Sailors onboard Frank Cable, this is the first time they have visited the Republic of the Philippines, while for others it is a return home. Chief Electrician's Mate Charlie Duque is looking forward to seeing his parents, reconnecting with old friends and spending time in a place that holds a lot of memories for him.

"I am really excited and eager to see my family. Subic is really a special place where I got recruited almost 22 years ago," said Duque.

Duque hopes that Frank Cable Sailors will enjoy their experience during their time in the Republic of the Philippines, adding Subic's reputation as a famous liberty port with many exotic locations and local entertainment.

Hildreth encouraged the crew to explore the city during their down time, and hopes his Sailors will enjoy themselves and experience all that the area has to offer.

"Hopefully they will get a chance to see Subic Bay and appreciate the historical significance of the efforts to defend the Philippines from the Japanese when they invaded in '41," said Hildreth. "I hope they get the opportunity to experience the sights and cultural activity that Subic Bay has to offer."