Visit of Aussie naval vessels highlights strong relations with PH

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte salutes to Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Adelaide Captain Jonathan Earley as the President boards the Australian Navy’s largest vessel which is docked at the Port of Manila on October 10, 2017. Also in the photo are Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely and Australian Embassy Manila Assistant Defence Attache Lt. Col. Gideon Scrimgeour KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA— The five-day goodwill visit of the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Darwin to the Philippines highlights the strong relationship of the two countries and their respective navies, an official of the Philippine Navy (PN) said.

“This visit further strengthens the already strong relationship between the two navies and fortifies the PN’s firm commitment of maintaining good relationship with other foreign Navies,” PN Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said in a statement.

The visit is part of the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Task Group Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017 which aims to provide regional countries the opportunity to gain understanding of the ships’ capability especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

HMAS Adelaide, an amphibious assault ship and a landing helicopter dock, and HMAS Darwin, a guided missile frigate, are commanded by Capt. Jonathan Earley and Cmdr. Phillip Henry, respectively.

The two Austalian warships were rendered the customary meeting point procedures by the BRP Rajah Humabon (FF-11) off Corregidor Island and escorted the vessels to its designated anchorage area.

President Rodrigo Duterte was given a tour of HMAS Adelaide anchored at the Port of Manila on October 10, 2017. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely, and Assistant Defence Attaché Lt Col Gideon Scrimgeour were among the Australian dignitaries in attendance.