Japan warship docks at Subic
The Japan Maritime Self Defense ( JMSDF)’s largest ship, helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183), and her escort the guided-missile destroyer JS Sazanami (DDG-113), arrived in Subic Bay, Zambales Sunday for a four-day goodwill visit.
Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna, in a statement Monday, said the ships are commanded by Rear Admiral Yoshihiro Goka.
Aboard the JS Izumo are eight SH-60K patrol helicopters, 800 officers and enlisted crew members.
After their Subic Bay visit, the ships will participate in the Malabar Naval Exercise in India.
Lincuna said the Japanese ships were rendered meeting point procedures by the BRP Rajah Humabon (FF-11) at the vicinity of Subic Bay.
Philippine Navy representatives then accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a port briefing related to security and health aboard JS Izumo.
The four-day visit will include a series of confidence building engagements between the local Navy and JMSDF personnel.
The visit is expected to enhance the already strong relationship between the Philippine Navy and JMSDF, officials said.
Moreover, the visit will further enhance and sustain promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation between the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie.
The JS Izumo, the biggest ship in the JMSDF, weighs around 27,000 tons and measures 248 meters long.