Royal Australian Navy ship returns to Manila

MANILA, Philippines — A Royal Australian Navy vessel arrived in Manila on Wednesday, nine months after its humanitarian mission in the Visayas after deadly typhoon "Yolanda."

The Philippine Navy welcomed HMAS Tobruk, a Landing Ship Heavy vessel, at Pier 15 South Harbor with a marching band.

The vessel returned to the country for a four-day goodwill visit. On November 18 last year, the ship sailed from Townsville, Australia carrying disaster relief supplies for Yolanda-ravaged Tacloban City and coastal areas of Leyte.

Pleased to welcome back to the Philippines #HMASTobruk, 9 months after their life-saving relief mission in Visayas #YolandaPH #Haiyan.

— Bill Tweddell (@AusAmbPH) August 6, 2014

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Twedell said on his Twitter account he was "delighted" the reception for the crew of HMAS Tobruk and for officials of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces.

Also read: Australia to continue emergency relief in Leyte, Cebu