For the first time, the Philippines will send ships to the world’s largest maritime exercises in Hawaii, the Navy chief announced on Tuesday.
“This coming July, the Navy will be sending two ships and one Agusta Westland helicopter with 700 sailors and marines onboard for the very first time to participate in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2018,” Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said in his speech at the Philippine Navy’s anniversary.
The Navy has participated in Rimpac exercises in the past, but this will be the first time they will send ships. Thirty other foreign navies will join the maritime exercises.
The US said the RIMPAC helps “foster and sustain the cooperative relationships critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.”
The RIMPAC is held biennially on ‘even-numbered’ years in Honolulu. /ee