US Navy Mine Countermeasures Ship Visited Palawan

Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships USS Pioneer (MCM 9) and USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, for a port visit for resupply and routine maintenance purposes, May 9.

Pioneer and Patriot sailors will also have the opportunity to learn about the Filipino culture and engage with the Puerto Princesa community. For many Filipino-American sailors, visiting the Philippines is a chance to reconnect with their heritage.

“This isn’t just a chance for us to have fun and relax. We have sailors on board who have family in the Philippines, and some were even born here,” said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Wayland, commanding officer of Pioneer. “So we are personally invested in this country, and it is more than just a pit stop. For some sailors, it’s a visit home.”

Master Chief Petty Officer Andrew Tyler, command master chief of Pioneer and a Philippine native, said he was excited to be back in the Philippines again and get a chance to see the beautiful island Palawan.

“It is always a great opportunity to be able to go back to the Philippines. There are many absolutely stunning regions of the country, and Palawan is one of them,” said Tyler.

On March 21, the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, for a port visit and replenishment of supply.

But before the ship arrived, it conducted first a mine countermeasures training in the vicinity of Okinawa before proceeding to Subic Bay for its first port visit.

The Avenger-class mine countermeasures, part of Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response platform for contingency operations.