Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in Hong Kong’s harbor Dec 2. as part of its forward deployment to the Western Pacific region.
Cable’s mission is to conduct maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
Sailors assigned to Frank Cable represent the Navy as U.S. ambassadors while interacting with locals from the host nation.
“My hope and expectation is that our crew takes advantage of this port call, to explore all of the sites that Hong Kong has to offer,” said Frank Cmdr. John Miyahara , Frank Cable chaplain. “As our crew tours and transits throughout the city, Hong Kong citizens will find our crew members excited to be there, gracious to local hospitality, open to new learning experiences and have a positive image of US Navy personnel who are polite, professional and friendly.”
Cable Sailors will participate in several community engagements during their stay, including visits to the Chao King Lin Senior Community Center, Hong Kong International School and Sunshine Action Center.
“For those participants going to one of the COMSERVs, (community service projects) this is another great opportunity to build personal relationships, share our cultures and discover our commonalities simply as human beings,” said Miyahara.
The crew will also participate in Meals In The Home (MITH), hosted by Hong Kong residents, and experience culture and history through hikes, tours and traditional foods.
“You get to meet a local family and experience hospitality in their homes or at the host’s favorite place in Hong Kong,” said Miyahara. “MITH participants get a personal tour of various locales in Hong Kong and make connections with families who appreciate our crew’s service in the U.S. Navy.”
“We are very much looking forward to liberty in Hong Kong,” said Frank Cable’s executive officer, Capt. Timothy Sparks . “It is an exotic classic Navy liberty port.”
During their voyage to Hong Kong, Sailors conducted surface warfare, damage control, ship handling training, and qualifications. This visit presents an opportunity to practice seamanship skills associated with anchoring evolutions.
“Our operations at anchor give us the opportunity to hone our anchoring seamanship skills and practices,” said Sparks. “Our ability to operate at anchor, including providing repairs and replenishment services is a major strategic capability the tender brings to the Seventh Fleet.”
The Frank Cable is one of two submarine tenders in the U.S. Navy with the ability to take a submarine alongside while anchored out to provide services.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 4, 2012; Image: US Navy