#Warfighting: USS Olympia Visits Subic Bay during Western Pacific Deployment

SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) arrived at Subic Bay Oct. 4 for a visit as part of her deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of approximately 140, Olympia will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the U.S. submarine force.

"Olympia is a multi-mission capable warship with an enthusiastic crew, excited to make their first visit to the Philippines in a while," said Cmdr. Michael Boone, commanding officer of Olympia. "We look forward to enjoying the warm hospitality of the Filipino people and furthering the positive relationship between our two countries."

While most of Olympia's crew is visiting the Philippines for the first time, some of her crew members have close ties to the Philippines,

"I am excited to see my family again and eat some real Filipino food," said Fire Control Technician Seaman Arnoldnoel Bongbonga Andrade. "I get to tell my grandparents about the places I've visited, and about how I can't wait to finally complete my submarine qualifications and put on my dolphins."

Named for the city of Olympia, Washington, this submarine is the second U.S. ship to bear the namesake. Olympia is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg7/.