US Navy assault ship in Manila for port visit, to give aid to Mayon victims

The amphibious assault ship of the United States (US) Navy, USS Bonhomme Richard, is currently docked at Manila Bay for a goodwill visit.

According to a News TV Live report on Monday, Captain Larry McCullen said their team is in Manila for "cultural exchange" as some members of their crew have Filipino blood.

McCullen added that they would also provide humanitarian aid for those affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay province in the Bicol region.

More than 2,500 sailors and marines are on board the ship.

"The Sailors and Marines aboard Bonhomme Richard have worked hard over the past few weeks conducting exercises and underway operations," McCullen said in a press release.

"Following exercise Cobra Gold, we've continued our shipboard training and patrol and now we have the opportunity to experience liberty in Manila. I'm grateful for the chance to share the amazing culture of the Philippines with the crew during this port call," he added.

Bonhomme Richard, part of Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region as part of a regularly scheduled patrol and provides a rapid-response capability in the event of a regional contingency or natural disaster.

The ship will return to Japan on March 8. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News