PH Navy to visit Russia for 2nd time
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2019 11:26:00 +0000
THE Philippine Navy on Monday sent its contingent to Russia for another port visit – its second.
This is a follow-up to the September 2018 visit by BRP Tarlac (LD601) with its crew from the Navy and Marines, as well as members of the media, to Vladivostok, where the Russian Pacific Fleet is stationed.
Its sister ship, the BRP Davao del Sur (LD602), will have a 300-man contingent of sailors and marines to be headed by
Capt. Richard Gonzaga.
Capt. Jonathan Zata, Navy spokesman, also said that the contingent included a Helicopter Detachment Afloat on board the BRP Davao del Sur.
Zata said the Philippine contingent’s second visit was in line with its participation in the Russian Naval Day parade at Vladivostok and visits to Russian naval facilities, including to one of the submarines.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had said the Philippines may buy submarines from Russia.
Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe, the chief of naval staff, led the send-off ceremony at Pier 13 in Manila on Monday.
“[T]his is a follow-up of our first port visit last year which hopes to broaden our horizon on capacity building and another opportunity for us to continue and strengthen our bilateral military cooperation and diplomatic relationship with the Russian Federation and other counterparts, as well as an avenue to explore resolutions on issues and concerns mutual to all maritime countries,” Bernabe said in his speech.
The Filipinos are expected to arrive in Vladivostok on July 24 and will stay until the 29th.
Navies from other countries will also be participating in the Russian Navy Day. DEMPSEY REYES
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