Japanese warship arrives in Subic Bay for goodwill visit

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A Japanese warship arrived here on Friday for a goodwill visit.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD-106), which docked at the Alava Wharf about 8 a.m. a.m., carried two SH-60K helicopters and 200 crew.

The goodwill visit is from May 17 to 19.

Philippine Navy (PN) delegates headed by Captain Jose Petilla Jr., representative of the Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, led the PN delegation in welcoming the foreign naval force headed by Capt. Takahiro Nishiyama, Commander of Escort Division Four.

In his speech, Capt. Nishiyama said the Japanese Navy wants to deepen the partnership with the PN through various exchanges and interactions.

“I believe that this visit will make a great contribution to further strengthen relations between our two countries,” he said.

A send-off ceremony with the customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off the Japanese navy’s visit on Sunday.

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