The Philippine Navy (PN) held a send-off ceremony Wednesday, June 8, for the delegation that will participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2022 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado, PN Flag Officer in Command, led the ceremony for the Naval Task Group 80.5 at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales.
The crew will sail to Hawaii aboard the Jose Rizal-class frigate, BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), for the United States Navy-hosted exercises to be held in and around the Hawaiian islands and Southern California from June 29 to August 4.
"We want to show to our allied navies our commitment regional stability and coopration and commitment through our participation . Then we also want to acquire best practices and to naval diplomacy," said Commander Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the showcasing of BRP Antonio Luna which was fitted with its new C-STAR surface-to-surface missiles in two-by-two configuration.
The Philippines will join 25 other nations in the world’s largest naval war games which will also see the participation of 38 ships, four submarines, approximately 170 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel.
“During RIMPAC, a network of capable, adaptive partners will train and operate together to strengthen our collective forces, ensure the safety and security of sea lanes, and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US Marine Corps Forces said.