Philippines, Australia maritime engagement ends

April 4, 2018

The Philippine Navy and Royal Australian Navy successfully concluded its 2nd Combined Maritime Security Engagement on April 2 at Officers’ Club, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City.

The closing ceremony was attended by Lt. Col. Judd Finger, commander of Joint Task Group 629 as the keynote speaker and Rear Adm. Rene Medina, commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao represented by Capt. Joe Anthony Orbe, the acting commander of Naval Task Force 61 .

In the presentation of the review and evaluation, the Royal Australian Navy appreciated the professionalism and skills showed by their Filipino counterparts and emphasized the engagement  enhanced interoperability in handling threats faced by both countries in the maritime sphere.

The Navy, through Naval Task Force 61 of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, used the following vessels:  BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, BRP General Mariano Alvarez , BRP Felix Apolinario , BRP Filipino Flojo and BRP Florencio Inigo.

Water assets from the Australian Navy were the HMAS Broome and HMAS Launcestaun . The patrol areas were along the area of operation of Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi, Sulu and Basilan. DMS