Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine docks in Subic Bay

Ships abound in Subic Bay. On Tuesday, a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine docked in the former US Military Base as part of its routine Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment. FILE PHOTO

A Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine docked in Subic Bay on Tuesday as part of its routine Indo-Asia- Pacific deployment, the US embassy said.

The USS Topeka followed USS Texas which stopped by in Subic last week. Topeka’s visit was a few hours before the Supreme Court upheld the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement as constitutional.

READ: SC decision on Edca strengthens US-PH partnership, Palace says

The Edca is a defense agreement between the Philippines and US signed in 2014, which allows the increased rotational presence of troops and access to Philippine military bases.

“With a crew of 160 Sailors, Topeka will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiency of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet,” the embassy said.

Topeka is a capable of operating at depths greater than 800 feet at speeds up to 25 nautical miles per hour.

Measuring more than 300 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons, Topeka is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance.

It will also be an opportunity for Filipino-American Sailors aboard will connect with their heritage.

“Having moved from the Philippines and been raised in California from the age of three, I never really had a chance to experience true Filipino culture outside of my own family,” said Machinist Mate 1st Class Juan Paulo Reyes. “This trip to Subic that the Navy has offered me is a great opportunity to explore my heritage and connect with members of my family still in the Philippines.” TVJ