In a news release, the embassy said the USS Frank Cable (AS 40) was to arrive in Subic Bay Thursday in a routine call highlights the strong Philippine-US partnership.
“This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies and give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation. While in Subic Bay, the sailors of USS Frank Cable are eager to enjoy Olongapo City and strengthen their understanding of a country with deep historical ties to the United States and the U.S. Navy,” it said.
It was named after Frank Taylor Cable (1863-1945), an early pioneer in submarine development for the US Navy.
With its home port in Apra Harbor in Guam, the USS Frank Cable is part of the US Pacific Fleet. It is commanded by Capt. Mark Benjamin.
It was commissioned on February 5, 1980, and was designed to tend the nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class attack submarines.
From 1980 to 1996, it was the repair ship for Submarine Squadrons FOUR and EIGHTEEN in Charleston, South Carolina, tending Sturgeon-class attack submarines and Benjamin Franklin-class ballistic missile submarines.
The Frank Cable began decommissioning in 1996, but was reactivated and refitted to replace the USS Holland (AS 32) in the Western Pacific as Commander Seventh Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform.
It has visited Western Pacific cities such as Brisbane, Australia; Hong Kong; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Vladivostok, Russia; Subic Bay, Philippines and Yokosuka, Japan.
The vessel was involved in rescue and recovery efforts following the Korean Airline Flight 801 crash on Guam in 1997.
It was involved in the recovery and clean-up efforts following Super Typhoon Paka.
