SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – USS Bremerton (SSN698), the oldest Los Angeles–class attack submarine of the US Navy is set to be decommissioned later this year after almost 40 years in service.
The vessel made a routine port visit Thursday, the last and final visit during its deployment in the Indo-Pacific regin, US Embassy announced.
USS Bremerton has 150 sailors where some crew are Filipinos who will see actions in various humanitarian and outreach activities while docked at the Subic Bay Freeport.
“Bremerton’s arrival into Subic Bay means a lot to both my crew and the U.S. submarine force,” said Cmdr. Travis Zettel, commanding officer
He added that it will be the ninth and final visit to Subic Bay in the ship’s 37 year history. “My crew and I are looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the local community while simultaneously preparing the ship for the remainder of our deployment.”
Bremerton regularly conducts a variety of missions to maintain proficiency in the latest submarine fleet capabilities. Its stealth, mobility, endurance and firepower allow Bremerton to work independently or in conjunction with a carrier strike group.
The visit highlights the strong partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines and gives the crew an opportunity to meet the local community living in the Subic area. It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
Bremerton port visit here is a sort of homecoming for Filipino sailors who will have their opportunity to be reunited with their families and relatives.
“It really means a lot to me that I get the chance to visit a number of my family members again,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Christopher Gapasin, who lived in the Philippines for six years and has relatives in the area.
Measuring more than 300 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Bremerton is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and mine warfare.
Bremerton, the oldest commissioned submarine in the U.S. Navy, is currently homeported in Pearl Harbor. Later this year, Bremerton will move to its namesake city, Bremerton, Washington, where it will be decommissioned after nearly 40 years of naval service.