SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines - The Virginia Class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) arrived in Subic Bay Sept. 7 for a visit as part of her deployment in the Western Pacific. Hawaii conducted a coordinated moor with submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), to receive tended support during her visit.

With a crew of approximately 130 Sailors, Hawaii conducts a multitude of missions and showcases the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. Her visit to Subic Bay presents an opportunity for her Sailors to strengthen ties with their counterparts in the Philippines, participate with Frank Cable Sailors in community service events in Olangapo, and enjoy crew rest and relaxation.

"Our Sailors have worked very hard for 14 months, qualifying and diligently training on various watchstations throughout the sub," said Electronics Technician Master Chief John Perryman, Hawaii's chief of the boat. "Western Pacific deployments and their liberty ports are the reward that makes all of our crew's efforts worthwhile."

This is the first visit to the Philippines for many of the crew members, but some of Hawaii's crew members have family in the Philippines and are taking time to reach out to them during this visit.

"I can't wait to get some time to call home, see the sites, and connect with my family in Manila," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Sedale Salera.

Measuring more than 370 feet long and weighing more than 8,000 tons when submerged, Hawaii is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world and is capable of supporting a multitude of missions. Hawaii is the third ship built in the line of Virginia class submarines. Commissioned in 2007, Hawaii is home-ported in Pearl Harbor, Hi.