3 Japanese training ships due in PH, says Navy

MANILA, Philippines - Three Japanese training vessels are expected to dock in Manila for a week-long "goodwill visit" aimed at enhancing and strengthening relations between the two navies, the Philippine Navy said Friday.

In a statement, the Navy said the Japanese vessels are from the Japanese Training Squadron of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). They are composed of JS Kashima (TV-3508), JS Shimayuki (TV-3513) and JS Matsuyuki (DD-130).

They will arrive at the port of Manila on May 28 and will stay there until June 1. The squadron will be headed by Rear Admiral Hidetoshi Fuchinoue who will lead a series of goodwill activities with personnel of the Philippine Navy and heads of the local government and other government agencies in Manila.

A Meeting Procedure off Corregidor Island is set in the early morning of May 28, prior their entry into Manila Bay with Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Apolinario Mabini (PS36), a Jacinto-Class Patrol Vessel (JCPV) designated as the receiving ship during the procedure.

A Meeting Procedure is a traditional navy event observed internationally where the host ship meets with the visiting ship/s and escorts them to their port of call. The visit hopes to strengthen existing friendly relations between the two navies through a series of scheduled events aimed at enhancing understanding and cooperation.

The Meeting Procedure will be followed by quarantine, immigration and discussion of the details of the scheduled activities and a security briefing aboard the Japanese ships by Philippine officials at the Anchorage Area of Manila Bay over the day.

On May 29, the ships and her crew will participate in a Welcome Ceremony at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal, South Harbor headed by Philippine Navy representative Commodore Manuel Natalio Abinuman, Commander of the Philippine Fleet’s Patrol Force who will welcome the JSDMF Squadron Commander, Fuchinoue.

Other activities lined up include a ship's tour, a wreath laying at the Rizal Park and other events. The Navy said these kinds of "Navy to Navy engagements" are a vital part in the diplomatic role of navies.

he PN incorporates its International Defense and Security Engagements mission area into this diplomatic role to further its operational effectiveness through interoperability enhancements and sharing of best practices regarding related naval tactics, techniques and procedures," it said.-Interaksyon (May 25, 2012)