Japanese destroyer JS Akizuki
JS Akizuki, a Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer, has docked at the Alava Wharf in SBMA, Olongapo City for a three-day goodwill visit that started Friday, April 13 until Monday, April 16.
JS Akizuki weighs 6,800 tons at full load and is capable of cruising at a speed of 30 knots. It is equipped with SH-60J patrol helicopter, high-powered firearms, missiles, and torpedoes.
This is the second time JS Akizuki visited the country. It is being manned by 200 officers and enlisted personnel commanded by Cmdr. Kazunori Ishii.
The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Philippine and Japanese navies, according to Captain Francis Alexander Jose, the flag-officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy delegates.
“This is part of building trust and confidence within the region. This is really a chance for them to conduct training for their mid-shipment and the same way that we are doing also,” he said.
“It is to deepen the relationship between the Philippines and Japan, especially navy to navy relations,” said Captain Ryoko Azuma, JMSDF Escort Division One commander and the first female to command a JMSDF squadron who is also aboard.
This weekend, the Philippine Navy personnel, together with their JMSDF counterparts, will engage in a series of confidence-building activities. They will also join in a series of goodwill games and a boodle fight. — Marje Navarro – Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue
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