Sun.Star: US ship docks in Dumaguete

USS Reuben James FFG-57 has docked at the Dumaguete City port at 10 a.m. on November 17 for a courtesy visit and mission works. Officials of Dumaguete City welcomed the ship crew led by Commander Richard Haidvogel--commanding officer, Lt. Commander Romeo Bautista (Filipino-American), and 1st Lt. Fallon Rossi. Mayor Agustin Perdices of Dumaguete City, Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling, City Administrator Dominador Dumalag, Bais City Mayor Hector "Tata" Villanueva, Jose A. Guirit-chairman of the Sports Activities Committee Fiesta, the city tourism officer, and other local and barangay officials were among those who welcomed the visitors. Haidvogel briefed the host officials on the background of the ship that was named after Reuben James, Ohio-born citizen who saved the life of Lieutenant Stephen Decatur in 1775. The Reuben James is manned by about 200 sailors, five of whom are Filipino-Americans. Haidvogel has extended a limited invite for the people of Dumaguete. The ship docked here for a 4-day tour and some community work. Kyle Lemuel S. Juliano, 10-year-old national champion of the 2nd Magsaysay Search for the Singing Star and dyRM Awit Bata Season 3 champion, and his sister will serenade the visitors in an appropriate event prepared. - Sun.Star