File photo of USS Shiloh
A US warship arrived in Tangke, Talisay City last Friday morning and left later that evening after receiving word that Cebu was placed under signal number 2 due to tropical storm Basyang.
Lt. Reynante L. Villela, acting Civil Military Operations chief of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Central, said he is still coordinating with the captain of the USS Shiloh (CG-67), a guided missile cruiser, on their return to Cebu.
The ship was supposed to stay in Cebu until tomorrow.
“They said they will be back soon but no details on the exact date,” he said. There were 390 sailors on board of whom 90 were Filipino-Americans.
Some members of the ship’s crew led by Capt. Kurush Morris managed to disembark from the ship to buy supplies.
“I think so may nabili sila pero konti lang ata (they bought something but it’s just small),” Villela said.
He said the naval vessel’s visit is also part of the routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community and military connections between the US and the Philippines.
The US crew were supposed to plant mangroves at sitio Lubi-Lubi, Barangay Canjulao in Lapu-Lapu City and distribute gifts to orphans in Cordova town yesterday.
The USS Shiloh is part of the US Pacific Fleet and is based in Yokosuka Japan.
The ship is named after the battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War.