Filipino-American members of the U.S. Navy stand inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012. The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Philippines for professional exchanges between the U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
U.S. navy soldiers walk inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012. The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Philippines for professional exchanges between the U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
U.S. navy soldiers stand in front of a fighter jet inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012. The U.S. nuclear- powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Philippines for professional exchanges between the U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
U.S. navy soldiers walk inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012. The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Philippines for professional exchanges between the U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Gregory J. Fenton, commanding officer of U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington, speaks inside the ship docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012. The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Philippines for professional exchanges between the U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington dropped anchor in Manila Bay on Wednesday.
The Philippine Navy has deployed 200 personnel to take part in the five-day goodwill visit in Manila and Cavite of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) (CVN-73) starting Thursday, according to local media reports.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the Port of Manila will serve as host to the USS George Washington under the command of Rear Admiral John Haley.
The aircraft carrier sailed in with two other US warships, the USS Cowpens (CG-63) and USS Campbell (DDG-85).
“This port visit is envisioned to enhance and strengthen mutual relationship between the two nations and their naval forces as it offers an opportunity for the USN to foster personal and professional exchanges with their Philippine counterparts,” Philippine Navy spokesman Col. Omar Tonsay said.