The Philippine Navy sends off its newest frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), to the US-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise to be conducted from June 29 to Aug. 4 around the Hawaiian Islands and California. | 📸: Grig Montegrande/Philippine Daily Inquirer
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Philippine Navy dispatched on Wednesday the Jose Rizal-class BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) to the US-led Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) multinational maritime exercise off Hawaii later this month.
The Antonio Luna left its new homeport at the former Hanjin Shipyard.
The Navy’s participation in the biennial Rimpac, the world’s largest exercise, will be the third since 2018. Thirty-eight ships, four submarines, nine national land forces, more than 170 aircraft and approximately 25,000 personnel from 26 countries will participate in the exercise from June 29 to Aug. 4.
“This is BRP Antonio Luna’s first appearance on the world stage. I want the officers and sailors of FF-151 to maximize the opportunity to learn and enhance their world view during the entire exercise,” Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado said in the send-off ceremony.
The 140-man contingent is headed by Capt. Charles Villanueva of Naval Task Group 80.5.
—FRANCES MANGOSING
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