Japan navy squadron docks in PH

The Japanese Navy’s Training Squadron berthed in Manila on Monday for a five-day goodwill visit to the Philippines.

The Training Squadron from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), headed by  Rear Adm. Hidetoshi Iwasaki,  comprises three vessels—the JS Kashima, JS Setoyuki and JS Asagiri.

Onboard are 190 newly commissioned officers and one helicopter, an SH-60J, according to Capt. Lued Lincuna, director of the Philippine Navy’s public affairs office.

Lincuna said Philippine Navy’s BRP Rajah Humabon conducted the meeting procedure for the vessels at the vicinity of Corregidor Island and escorted them to their designated berthing area.

He said Philippine Navy delegates welcomed the Japanese visitors at the pier and briefed them on security, safety and health.

Fifth visit

The goodwill visit, Lincuna said, includes a series of engagements between Philippine Navy personnel and their visiting counterparts such as ship tour, courtesy call on the Navy leadership, goodwill games and receptions for cultural exchanges.

He said it was the fifth visit to the Philippines by the JMSDF forces.

Lincuna said the visit was “another gesture of fostering goodwill, which contributes to the furtherance of friendship between the PN and [the] JMSDF established through the years with continuing commitment to promoting naval diplomacy and camaraderie.”

The first was made by the JS Uruga and JS Takashima on March 2, followed by the submarine Oyashio, JS Anake and JS Setogiri on April 3, JS Ise on April 26 and JS Yudachi and JS Yougiri on Aug. 30.