NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila – The ASEAN navies showcased synergy and solidarity during the Philippine Navy (PN)-hosted ASEAN Fleet Review (AFR) last week, off Grande Island, Subic. Zambales
Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) joined seven more naval ships from Singapore (RSS Supreme), Indonesia (KRI Gusti Ngurah Rai), Malaysia (KD Lekiu), Thailand (HTMS Pattani), Brunei (KDB Daruttaqwa and KDB Afiat), and Vietnam (Tran Hung Dao).
The naval parade was witnessed by Department of National Defense Officer In Charge, Usec. Carlito Galvez Jr. as the guest of honor. He was joined by AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Andres Centino, PN Flag Officer In Command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., and the navy chiefs of different ASEAN member-states.
USec. Carlito Galvez Jr., described the convening of Navies and delegates for this much anticipated Fleet Review as “a source of pride and delight for ASEAN citizens,” that will “further foster interoperability and cooperation among ASEAN member states in the conduct of responsible maritime security operations.”
Vice Adm. Adaci meanwhile said that “beyond naval displays, we will leverage the ASEAN Fleet Review and AMNEX as a venue for networking, dialogue, and knowledge exchange.”
Collaboration and innovation drive continuous improvement, bolstering our capabilities, interoperability, and promoting naval modernization for the benefit of ASEAN,” he added.
The AFR served as the culmination of the 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) and the commencement of the 2nd ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX).
