BRP Jose Rizal conducts passing exercise with BRP Quezon

September 23, 2020

Navy  frigate BRP Jose Rizal conducted a passing exercise as it reached Philippine waters after participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2020 in Hawaii.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, acting Navy public affairs director, said BRP Jose Rizal conducted the exercise with BRP Quezon at the vicinity of Fuga Island in Aparri Tuesday.

"BRP Jose Rizal has reached the Philippine waters from a short lay-over in Guam following its  successful participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2020 in Hawaii,"  she said.

"Its passage through Naval Forces Northern Luzon’s area of responsibility is deemed to be monumental and symbolic as it was able to show the Philippine flag and assert naval presence particularly in the strategic waters off Batag Island, Benham Rise and Fuga Island," she added.

Roxas said the "passing exercise was complemented by a low pass of two Philippine Air Force FA-50 aircraft performed over BRP Jose Rizal at 300 feet altitude."

"The exercise is a customary undertaking to ensure  vessels and aircraft are able to communicate and cooperate with each other. It is also a form of rendering honors to transiting naval vessels," she added.

Roxas said BRP Jose Rizal is expected to arrive at Pier 15, South Harbor on Wednesday. Robina Asido/DMS