MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Indian and Malaysian navies visited the Philippine Navy’s warship BRP Antonio Luna, which is currently in Hawaii participating in the United States-led naval exercises.
The warship’s commanding officer and Naval Task Group commander Capt. Charles Merric Villanueva welcomed his counterparts.
Capt. Saket Khanna of the Indian Navy and Commander Mohd Asri Bin Dasman of the Royal Malaysian Navy were given a tour of the frigate.
The officials exchanged souvenirs and plaques as a symbol of good relations between partner navies.
Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office chief Commander Benjo Negranza said the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises in Hawaii provide training opportunities while sustaining relationships among the participants.
Twenty-six countries, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 navy personnel are participating in the event until Aug. 4 around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.
Held biennially, the RIMPAC naval exercises seek to promote regional stability in the Pacific Region and promote friendship among participating countries.