Naval Station Jose Andrada, Manila. Philippine Navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) docked at U2 Pier on June 12 in time for the commemoration of the 124th Philippine Independence Day. Members of the Naval Task Group 80.5 proudly saluted the National Flag as it was raised while BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) was docked at Naval Base Guam. To also mark the momentous occasion, three significant ceremonies were done onboard such as the turn-over of Operations Officer post, pinning of Surface Warfare badge, and donning of ranks for the newly promoted enlisted personnel.
Leading the event is BRP Antonio Luna’s commanding officer, Captain Charles Merric Villanueva.
In his remarks, Captain Villanueva expressed his appreciation for the outgoing Operations Officer of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) and congratulated the new Surface Warfare Officers badge holder. The Commander of Naval Task Group 80.5 also congratulated the newly promoted Enlisted Personnel.
BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) is carrying the Naval Task Group 80.5 which is sailing to Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, USA, to participate in the upcoming Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, scheduled to run from June 29 to August 04.
This scheduled stopover is intended for the ship’s replenishment in preparation for its participation in the world’s largest naval exercise. It is also an opportune time to engage the Filipino community in Guam, a gesture that fosters patriotism and national pride among our overseas countrymen, especially as the nation is celebrating its Independence Day.
The Flag Officer In Command, Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado served as the presiding officer for the sendoff ceremony of the BRP Antonio Luna officers and crew. He was welcomed by the military host, Brigadier General Edwin Amadar, Commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force.
“RIMPAC’s theme indicates a positive interdependent relationship among nations and the cooperative nature of managing maritime security,” VAdm Bordado stated during his program remarks. The Navy chief was accompanied by Rear Admiral Nichols Driz, Commander of the Philippine Fleet.
“It also resonates with the orientation of the Philippine Navy’s intention to raise the level of its involvement in international defense and security engagements.” The Navy chief closed his speech with a statement affirming the command’s advancements in its efforts to become a multi-capable maritime force.
“The Philippine Navy is [now] more capable. We are also more adaptive and attuned to the changing geopolitical landscape. And more importantly, we are now also steadily seeking to engage more like-minded partners to contribute to a stable and peaceful maritime space in the Indo-Pacific region.”
A United States-led global exercise, Exercise RIMPAC is held biennially to promote regional stability in the Pacific region. This year’s iteration of the largest premier maritime exercise marks the Philippine Navy’s third participation. It includes 27 participants from the ASEAN region, the Indo-Pacific region, and other regional navies.
