SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines - Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived in Subic Bay Dec. 12 as part of the U.S. Navy's ongoing commitment to theater security cooperation and friendship with local allied navies.

This holiday season, Land will continue its voyage repair period and the crew will participate in outreach projects and partnership building activities within the local community.

"I am very happy to have the opportunity to continue our visit within Republic of the Philippines and continue to build our partnership with the surrounding community." said Capt. Glenn W. Pendrick, Land's commanding officer. "The hospitality shown by the people of the Philippines is representative of the strong relationship that exists between our two nations, and I am excited for my crew to have the opportunity to interact with our counterparts and the local community here."

During Land's most recent visit to Subic Bay, Lt. Aaron Roberton, the command chaplain, organized and executed 18 community service projects (COMSERVs). During this visit, Land's crew plans to participate in more COMSERVs with the local community as well as a 'Project Handclasp' operation.

"These opportunities allow the Sailors from both countries to share experiences and develop professional relationships," said Roberton. "We were able to make a profound positive impact on the local community, and we look forward to continuing this good work."

USS Emory S. Land, homeported in Diego Garcia, is on an extended deployment conducting coordinated tending moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations.