Philippine Navy contingent to RIMPAC sails back home

MANILA, Philippines — Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5 on Saturday set its course back home to the Philippines from Hawaii after participating in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) this August.

The Philippine Navy contingent aboard the frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) departed Bravo 3, Joint Base Pearl Harbor in Hickam, Hawaii, and made its way to the designated rendezvous area with USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and Royal Navy Brunei Navy KDB Darulehsan (OPV 07) at the vicinity of Oahu Island, Hawaii.

The three ships will still participate in Post-RIMPAC Exercise 2020 that includes a minimal series of exercises with the purpose of continuing the quality training and interoperability between the Philippines, the United States, and Brunei.

BRP Jose Rizal will also refuel and reprovision in Guam during the Post-RIMPAC exercises.

The contingent is set to arrive at Subic Bay, Zambales on Sept. 21.

“The Philippine Navy’s participation in the world’s biggest joint and combined naval exercise has advanced its maritime operational capability to multilateral level thereby increasing readiness and interoperability with foreign navies,” said the Navy in a statement.

“It further builds and strengthens mutual understanding through cooperative activities of multi-national maritime forces.strengthening of relationship and cooperation among regional and extra regional navies.”

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