250 British navy men here on R&R

Sailors, ahoy!

Despite the existence of security risks, 250 personnel of the British navy will be allowed shore leave as part of their R&R (rest and recreation) during their five-day visit here.

Commander Richard Farrington, commanding officer of the 22-year-old, type-42 destroyer HMS Nottingham, said the British navy personnel aboard his ship have been briefed on the risks of traveling to the Philippines and have received copies of the latest travel advisories issued by the governments of the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom.

The HMS Nottingham, an air defense destroyer capable of intercepting air attacks and attack aircraft, is docked at Manila South Harbor’s Pier 15.

"Of course they (ship’s crew) can go ashore," Farrington said, adding that the sailors were reminded to avoid problems that may arise from violence, crime and prostitution during their shore leave.

"There are security concerns, but I’m confident that our friends in the Philippines will look after us. There are risks here and we’ve advised the sailors of the risks," he said.

The last British naval vessel to visit Manila was the HMS Cornwall, which came two years ago.

One of the highlights of the Nottingham’s visit will be the Defense Industry Day celebration on board the ship on Thursday. During this celebration, demonstrations of the ship’s capabilities and equipment will be made, including an inspection of the destroyer’s SeaDart missile system – which is similar to the US Navy’s standard missile system designed to intercept supersonic missiles and aircraft.

Farrington also said the HMS Nottingham’s crew would give advice and assistance to the Philippine Navy, as well as discuss with their Philippine counterparts methods of conducting operations in economic exclusion zones - which cover key areas in the Philippine archipelago - as well as maritime operations and coastal security concerns.

"We are looking forward to a good exchange of views on how to combat the modern problems of the maritime world," Farrington added.

The ship sailed from the UK in the middle of March and visited Djibouti, Africa, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, Sabah and Singapore before docking in Manila. From the Philippines, the destroyer will sail to Australia and New Zealand before returning to Singapore for major exercises, as required by the mutual defense pact between the city state and the UK.

The British navy also conducted training exercises last Sunday with Philippine patrol vessels and their crews at the Malampaya gas fields.

Personnel of the British Royal Navy will also deliver lectures on maritime interdiction, but Farrington added that "I’m not expecting to do any live firings or have any fighter aircraft and live action. We’re not expecting (the HMS Nottingham) to operate as an air defense ship."

The overall mission of the British Royal Navy, Farrington said, is not for any specific anti-terrorist campaign, but to promote British interests in the Far East and improve relations between the UK and the Philippines at the military, diplomatic and trade level – in support of British businesses in the country.

Farrington added there could be a possible meeting between the HMS Nottingham’s crew and their US counterparts in the country during a reception aboard the destroyer last night.