U.S. "fast attack submarine" pops up in Subic

ABS-CBNNews.com reports that the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN-777) surfaced in Subic Bay, Zambales on Sunday, May 13. The report described the submarine as "one of the most modern submarines in the United States Navy."

ABS-CBNNews.com noted that the submarine’s presence is  set against the Philippines’ territorial standoff with China over the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which is located "124 nautical miles from mainland Zambales."

In any case,  Richard Rhinehart, North Carolina's commanding officer, in a press statement released by the United States-Pacific Command (USPACOM), said: "The crew is proud of our recent contributions as part of our country's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation, peace and stability in the region."

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