U.S. warship USS America docks in Manila for rest and recreation

The USS America (LHA-6), an amphibious assault ship of the US Navy, is currently docked at the Port of Manila to give its crew time for rest and recreation, according to a report by JP Soriano on "24 Oras."

The ship sailed from Japan after finishing joint military exercises.

The Philippines-US Visiting Forces Agreement allows visits of American ships and planes in the country.

The flight deck of one of the biggest US Navy ships in the world, can accommodate 25 aircrafts, and six more for landing and takeoff.

The ship, which also carries anti-air missiles, serves as backup for marine flight operations.

According to its commanding officer Captain Shockey Snyder, the ship sailed through South China Sea on its way to the Philippines.

When asked if the ship received any radio challenge in the area, the officer said their journey has been smooth and safe.  He said they will treat professionally any forces they might encounter as they sail.

"Any Navy, any of the U.S. naval ships are free to operate anywhere in international waters and we do that so that the waters can remain free for all countries to use," Snyder said.

The USS America's visit to the Philippines happened amid the continued presence of Chinese military vessels in various parts of the West Philippine Sea and the filing of a diplomatic protest due to the Chinese Coast Guard's alleged laser shooting at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The incidents in the West Philippine Sea are expected to be discussed in the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) on March 23 and 24 in the country.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting is also scheduled between American and Philippine officials regarding defense and security cooperation in April.

The USS America is scheduled to leave the Philippines on Thursday. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News