MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) will welcome another Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer in the country.
Commander Jonathan Zata, Navy spokesperson, said Murasame-class JS Akebono (DD-108), with its two SH-60K patrol helicopters and 200 officers and enlisted personnel, will be arriving at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor at around 8 a.m. of Sept. 27 for a three-day port visit.
“The Japanese delegation is headed by the commander of JMSDF’s Escort Division 5, Capt. Josuke Nakamura. DD-108 has about 200 officers and crew onboard and two embarked SH-60K patrol helicopters,” he added.
The Navy will render a customary welcome ceremony upon arrival of the vessel.
Earlier this month, JMSDF Escort Flotilla 4 docked at Alava Wharf, SBMA, Olongapo City, Zambales for a goodwill visit on Sept. 1-5.
The visiting Japanese ships are the helicopter carrier JS Kaga (DDH-184) with five embarked SH-60K patrol helicopters, an Akizuki-class destroyer JS Suzutsuki (DD-117), and a Murasame-class destroyer JS Inazuma (DD-105).
Around 850 officers and crew compose the visiting Japanese delegation headed by flotilla commander, Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukuda, Capt. Hideki Mizuta of JS Kaga, Cmdr. Yuki Ochimizu, of JS Inazuma and, and Cmdr. Takeo Kinuyama, commanding JS Suzutsuki. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
