Japanese tank landing ship docks in Manila for 3-day goodwill visit

A Japanese tank landing ship carrying more or less 140 officers and crew docked on Thursday morning at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila for a three-day goodwill visit.

The Japanese Ship Osumi (LST-4001) of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force which is the frontrunner of the Osumi-class tank landing ships will be in the country from April 26 to April 28.

The Philippine Navy said that the Commander of Landing Ship Division One Captain Tomonori  Kobayashi and the ship's commanding officer Captain Yuji Horikawa will be leading the visit.

A customary welcome ceremony was rendered upon the arrival of the amphibious transport dock which was followed by a port briefing on security and health aboard the vessel.

On April 13, the Japanese destroyer Akizuki also arrived in the country for a three-day goodwill visit as well. — Marlly Rome Bondoc/RSJ, GMA News