Philippine Navy crew returning after port visit in Vietnam

September 11, 2019

The Philippine Navy (PN) contingent onboard BRP Ramon Alcaraz is on its way home after a port visit in Vietnam that ended Tuesday.

Capt. Ryan Luna, Philippine Navy, Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5, public affairs officer, said BRP Ramon Alcaraz conducted a four-day port visit in Vietnam following its participation in the inaugural ASEAN-United States Maritime Exercise 2019 off the waters of Thailand Gulf. 

Luna said the Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5, led by Capt. Hilarion Cesista onboard PS 16 was given a welcome ceremony by their counterparts from the 2nd Naval Region of the Vietnam People’s Navy when they arrived on September 7. 

"They later had a courtesy call to, and dinner hosted by its deputy commander, Capt. Dinh Van Thang," he said.

"NTG 80.5 commander and his party also paid a visit to Ha Phuoc Thang, head of office, Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and counterparts at the Vietnam Navy Technical College," he added.

Luna said the Philippine Navy and its Vietnamese counterpart conducted  confidence-building engagements, such as shipboard tour, reception and friendly games. 

Luna said Vietnamese Navy also gave a send-off ceremony to BRP Alcaraz.

"It marked the third time that a PN ship has visited Vietnam which becomes an avenue for sustaining and enhancing the relationship between the two navies and will intensify such understanding in the areas of security and defense, economic matters, regional and international cooperation," he said. Robina Asido/DMS