The Philippine Navy, through the Philippine Fleet, strengthened navy-to-navy ties with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) by welcoming the latter’s destroyer JS Harusame for a goodwill visit from November 26 - 29.

This visit, which followed the recent official trip of a Philippine Fleet delegation to Yokosuka, Japan led by Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, began with an arrival honors for JS Harusame skippered by Commander Makoto Ozawa, as it made port at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales.

Subsequently, Commander Ozawa, along with Assistant Defense Attaché Commander Kawahata Noriyuki, and two other JMSDF officers paid a courtesy call on Orbe.

During the call, both navies discussed the Philippine Fleet commander’s engagement in August and his recent visit to Yokosuka in preparation for the official PF and JMSDF staff-to-staff talk to be held in the Philippines.

Orbe also assured the visiting JMSDF delegates of the Fleet’s readiness to provide any assistance they may require, while both sides exchanged insights from their experiences as ship commanding officers.

As part of the visit, a shipboard tour of the JMSDF destroyer by the PF Commander and staff was conducted, allowing them to familiarize the vessel’s equipment and technology, while also promoting knowledge sharing and enhancing mutual appreciation of each other’s maritime assets and operational procedures.

The visit will conclude with a send-off ceremony on November 29, marking the completion of the goodwill visit and reaffirming the enduring ties between the PN and the JMSDF. Fleet Public Affairs Office