Ranking American, Japanese naval officials visit PN

TRADITIONAL ALLIES. Philippine Navy chief-of-naval staff, Rear Admiral Erick A. Kagaoan (left) welcomes US Pacific Fleet Task Force 73 commander, Rear Admiral Murray Joe Tynch III, at the Navy headquarters on Thursday (July 12, 2018). During their meeting, Kagaoan and Tynch discussed the two countries’ strong relationship in maritime security, the campaign against terrorism, and disaster response. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office/PNA)

MANILA — In line with ongoing inter-operability efforts, ranking American and Japanese naval officials called in at the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Roxas Blvd., Manila last July 12.

First to visit was Rear Admiral Murray Joe Tynch III, US Pacific Fleet Task Force 73 commander, Navy spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said in statement Friday.

Tynch was received by PN chief-of-naval staff, Rear Admiral Erick A. Kagaoan, who also represented Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

“Discussions during the courtesy call highlighted the strong US-Philippines relationship, especially with regard to maritime security, the global campaign against terrorism, and disaster relief and crisis response,” Zata added.

Kagaoan also thanked the US Navy for its visit and its commitment to the maritime training activity “Sama sama“, conducted in San Fernando, La Union on July 9-14. This year’s training activity focused on maritime security operations to enhance mutual capabilities and strengthen partnerships.

Meanwhile, Zata said the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) sent observers to the exercise.

On the same day, Capt. Masahiro Goto, JMSDF Chief of Planning Section, Operations Support Division, Maritime and Plans Department, also paid the Philippine Navy a visit. He was received by Kagaoan and they talked about the strong partnership between the two navies.

Zata said the JMSDF regularly conducts humanitarian assistance and disaster response collaborations with the PN.