PH and Australia conclude 5thCombined Maritime Security Activity

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (Oct. 8, 2018) – The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) have just concluded the 1st leg of the 5th Combined PN-RAN Maritime Training Activity (MTA), Friday, October 05, 2018.

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao disclosed that the RAN vessel, HMAS Launceston (ACPB94) departed from the vicinity of Tawi-Tawi on October 04, enroute to Naval Forces West Area of responsibility in Palawan for the continuation of the 2nd leg of the said Maritime Training Activity.

Medina said, the 5th Combined PN-RAN Maritime Training Activity formally started on September 24 with an Arrival Ceremony for HMAS Launceston held at Zamboanga City Pier, Zamboanga City followed by the Opening Ceremony of the MTA at NFWM Officers’ Club which was presided by Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Rear Adm. Rene V Medina AFP.

Medina added that the said Maritime Training Activity was conducted in the maritime areas of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and participated by BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS38) of the PN and HMAS Launceston (ACPB94) of the RAN.

Medina also said that the maritime activity has benefitted both Navies in terms of inter-operability training while complementing the current maritime security operations of Western Mindanao Command in terms of Naval presence and deterrence of movement of LLE at sea.