Oldest US submarine docks at Subic for last time

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698), the oldest commissioned submarine in the US Navy, arrived at this free port on Thursday for a final routine port visit. “This is Bremerton’s ninth and final visit to Subic Bay in the ship’s 37-year history. My crew and I are looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the local community while simultaneously preparing the ship for the remainder of our deployment,” said Cmdr. Travis Zettel, commanding officer. Bremerton’s home port is in Pearl Harbor. Later this year, it will move to Bremerton, Washington, where it will be decommissioned. In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said the submarine had been deployed to the Indo-Pacific region and its port call here established a strong partnership between the Philippines and the United States. Bremerton’s crew of 150 sailors will be allowed to meet the community in the Subic area.