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2 Australian Navy ships in PHL for goodwill exercises


Two ships of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), including a long-range missile frigate, Her Majesty’s Australian Ship Anzac (FFH150) and an auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel, HMAS Success (OR 304), docked at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in Olongapo City on Thursday.

Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Captain Lued Lincuna said the engagement between the two navies was scheduled until April 15.

The welcoming ceremony was accorded by PN delegates headed by the representative of the Flag Officer-in-Command, Commander Judith Palamos, the Assistant Chief of Education and Training Staff for Personnel and Reservist Affairs of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

Afterwards, they had a port briefing on health and security aboard HMAS Success.

Lincuna said the Defense Attaché of Australia to the Philippines, Captain Bradley White, along with the two commanding officers of the visiting vessels, Commander Michael Devine of HMAS Anzac and Commander Grant Zilko of HMAS Success, is scheduled to have a courtesy call to the Commander of Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) Rear Admiral Allan Ferdinand V. Cusi.

The goodwill activities also include a luncheon aboard HMAS Anzac with invited key personnel and goodwill games, followed by a traditional boodle fight.

Finally, the visit will end with a send-off ceremony and a customary "passing exercise" which includes a "replenishment-at-sea" operation wherein PN personnel invited to board the RAN's ships will observe the evolution.

Lincuna said the visit is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the two navies and, accordingly, amplify the PN’s commitment to maintaining a good relationship with other navies. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News