
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III inspected the Philippine Navy’s (PN) Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on Wednesday, July 31.
PN Commanding General Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. accompanied Austin and said that the US defense chief intended to assess the industrial capabilities of companies in Subic Bay that will contribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization and their capacity to maintain ships of partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We’ve come a long way in our relationship with the Philippines. I think it’s been fascinating to be a part of this and we are looking to a lot more going forward,” Austin said.
Subic holds significance for the United States as it formerly served as the home of an American naval base until its closure in 1991.
Adaci said Austin’s visit to the Naval Operating Base in Subic was a “clear manifestation of the US' support to the Philippine Navy.”
For his part, Adaci affirmed the PN’s support to “all endeavors and activities that would further reinforce the longstanding defense alliance” between Manila and Washington.
He also discussed with Austin possible areas of collaboration between the forces of the PN and the US Navy.
Austin recently engaged in high-level discussions with Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro and other officials as part of the fourth PH-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue where he reiterated the US’ commitment to deepening ties with key allies, including the allocation of $500 million in foreign military financing to the Philippines for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).