PH to deploy ships, helicopter in ‘world’s biggest maritime war games’

FILE: Philippine Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna (Screenshot from ROTC video)

MANILA — For the first time, the Philippine Navy (PN) will deploy two ships and a helicopter to participate in this year “Rim of the Pacific Exercise” (RIMPAC) that will be held off Hawaii.

The maneuvers are considered the world’s largest international maritime war games and is led by the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet.

Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna, in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday, said the PN will deploy one landing dock, one frigate, and one AW-109 helicopter for RIMPAC.

Lincuna, however, declined to identify the participating ships for security reasons but said these vessels and their crew will leave for Hawaii first week of June.

Some 30 navies are expected to participate in this year’s RIMPAC, which is usually scheduled for June and July and held every two years.

The naval exercises seek to enhance inter-operability among Pacific Rim armed forces.

Earlier, PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said the Philippines will deploy 700 sailors and marines for RIMPAC 2018.