US submarine ‘on goodwill visit’ docks in Subic
MANILA, Philippines – The USS Hawaii, the third United States (US) Submarine to visit the country this year docked at Subic Bay Friday.
The purpose of the arrival was a “good will visit and routine port call,” Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said in a text message.
Two other submarines, the USS North Carolina and the USS Louisville, previously visited the country last May 15 and June 25, respectively.
USS Hawaii, as well as the two other submarines, is among the newest nuclear-powered submarines of the US Navy.
USS Hawaii is 377 feet long 34 feet wide. It weighs 7,800 tons and can carry up to 40 torpedoes and cruise missiles. It is also capable of transporting special operation forces, unmanned undersea vehicles, and navy SEALs.
It can dive up to 800 feet deep and reach speeds of up to 25 knots. It is said to cost $1.8 billion.
