(Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)
MANILA – The HMAS Sydney (DDG-42), a Hobart-class air warfare destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), is now docked at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila for a two-day port visit starting Wednesday.
The Australian warship's visit highlights the strong and long-standing relationship between the Philippines and Australia in promoting maritime safety and security in the region, said Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza in a statement Wednesday night.
"PN contingent led by Offshore Combat Force chief-of-staff, Commander Johanns Cruzada, accorded the visiting Australian Navy ship and its crew members headed by their commanding officer, Commander Andrew Hough a welcome ceremony upon arrival at the port," he added.
The RAN's Hobart-class air warfare destroyer consists of three ships and is designed to protect a naval task force and shore assets from air and missile attack.
These ships could also conduct anti-surface, anti-submarine, and naval gunfire support roles.
Hough then paid a courtesy call to PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado at the Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
"Commander Hough spoke with the Navy chief on matters that include Philippine-Australia relations, as well as his role in promoting future collaborations between the two nations," Negranza said. (PNA)
