One of the US Navy's "state of the art" combat ships arrived in Davao City on Saturday, making its first port visit in the country.

In a statement, USS Montgomery's commanding officer Cmdr. Edward Rosso said "it is an honor [for Montgomery] to visit one of the longest-standing US allies in the Indo-Pacific region."

“My crew and I are very much looking forward to visiting Davao City. Port visits allow us to demonstrate our commitment to maritime security in the region, while strengthening relationships with our friends, partners and allies," Rosso said.

The USS Montgomery, an Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS-8), is known for its fast and agile capability to maneuver in both near-shore and open-ocean operations.

According to a US report, the manufacturing of the combat ship cost $360 million.

Montgomery will host local military and civic leaders during the port visit, according to US officials.