SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – A Japanese helicopter carrier arrived here on Tuesday for a four-day goodwill visit and maritime training between Japanese and Filipino Navy personnel.
JS Ise (DDH-182) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) docked at the Alava Pier at about 9 a.m. and was welcomed by a Philippine Navy marching band.
The naval destroyer warship carried four helicopters and 360 crew members, said Capt. Masaki Takada, commander of JS Ise.
The ship’s port call in Subic Bay marked the third time that JMSDF vessels visited the country this year.
Previous visits included the arrival of Minesweeper Division 51 on March 2 and the submarine Oyashio (SS-551) along with two destroyer ships on April 3. Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon