Philippine Navy and Royal Australian Navy completes 4th Maritime Security Activity

CALARIAN, Zamboanga City (Aug. 9, 2018) –The Philippine Navy and Royal Australian Navy concludedits 4th Combined Maritime Security Activity through a Closing Ceremony held here at Officers’ Club, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, August 7, 2018, Military Official said.

Ensign Jesca May P Viduya, Naval Forces WesternPublic Affairs Office disclosed that the closing ceremony was attended by Col. Hernanie S.Songano PN(M)(GSC), Deputy Commander for Marine Operations as the Speaker and Lt. Col Judd Finger, Commander, Joint Task Group 629 with the officers and men from the Western Mindanao Command, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, and PN-RAN vessels.

“We have much to be thankful to you, the Royal Australian Navy – for leveraging the power to enact change and for helping us making our country safe. We do hope that this cooperation and partnership will continue to grow in the coming years and your government will not tire in contributing to the achievement of our goal to have a safe and strong maritime region, using means such as this maritime engagement,” message of the Deputy Commander for Marines Operations, NFWM.

Also, an After Action Review (AAR) was held prior to the closing ceremony toevaluate and assess the impact and outcome of the just-held maritime cooperation. Generally, the 4th MSA between the PN and RAN accomplished its objectives on improving the interoperability, capability and professional skills of personnel throughthe conduct of various drills and exercises on board, Ensign Viduya said.

Ensign Viduya added thatthe continuous partnership and cooperation by the Philippine Navy and Royal Australian Navy had helped in pre-empting any acts of terrorism, piracy and kidnapping in the Western Mindanao Command’s Area of Responsibility. This brought the two navies into a higher level of mutual cooperationwhile performing its task of protecting the people and maritime domain, she said. (By JONG CADION with PAO NFNW)