By Francis Wakefield
A battalion of Sailors and Marines accorded a fitting arrival honor for the Russian Navy Commander in Chief, Adm. Vladimir I. Korolyov, as he visited the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Blvd. Manila.
The visiting admiral was welcomed by the Flag Officer In Command (FOIC), Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad as the military host.
He was then conferred the Honorary Flag Rank Command Badge and Plaque at the Hall of Flags followed by the PN organizational briefing.
Admiral Korolyov and members of his staff arrived in the country Monday, March 18, as official guests of the Philippine Navy. His visit officially started with a wreath laying at Rizal Monument in Luneta, cultural tour at Intramuros, Manila and visit to PN vessel BRP Tarlac (LD601).
The Russian Navy Chief is scheduled to pay a courtesy call to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. He will also tour the Corregidor Island as part of his four-day visit.
Captain Jonathan V. Zata, the Director of the Naval Public Affairs Office, said the visit epitomizes the deepening friendship between the Philippine and Russian Navies established in the recent years.
"It further trumpets the PN’s commitment in promoting naval diplomacy and camaraderie and fostering goodwill with other navies," he said.