NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila – The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) of the United States Navy, Adm. Mike Gilday, paid a courtesy call on Philippine Navy (PN) Chief, Vadm. Toribio Adaci Jr, at the PN headquarters on February 22.
During exchanges, the visiting Admiral emphasized the need of collaboration among allies, which is strengthened through joint and combined exercises. He further underscored the importance of providing forces in creating great opportunities to implement joint operations and maritime exercises.
VAdm. Adaci echoed the perspective of the CNO, and reassured the PN’s sustained collaboration with US counterparts for the betterment of both navies. He also expressed gratitude for accommodating PN students at various naval schools in the United States.
Adm. Gilday’s visit came shortly after the bilateral dialogues of the Philippine Fleet with the US 7th Fleet, and the Philippine Marine Corps with the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific.
These interactions have helped reinforce the confidence between the two countries as both navies explore more ways of working together toward regional peace and stability.
“Our alliance with the Philippines is ironclad and indispensable, we have shared values and interests and are both committed to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Gilday.
“We will continue to build on our strong alliance and strengthen our interoperability and mutual defense posture. We remain focused on enhanced security cooperation, combined training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations,” Gilday added
The visit focused on U.S. and Philippine maritime domain awareness and naval capabilities, and the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to peace and stability in region.
The two navies operate regularly together during theater exercises like Pacific Partnership, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), Balikatan, and SamaSama. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
