The Philippine Navy will deploy its vessel and personnel on this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, slated from June 26 to August 2 in Hawaii.
Speaking to reporters, Navy spokesperson, Commander John Pierce Alcos, said that a send-off ceremony for the vessel will be held at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on June 2.
"Last time, it was BRP Antonio Luna, we sent that. But this year we will be sending another ship, a landing dock. We won’t be sending a frigate, we will be sending a landing dock this time around," Alcos stressed.
"It is really important because all of the countries under the US (United States) alliance will be joining the Rim of the Pacific. It is one of the biggest, if not the largest, naval exercises in the world. So we have to be there," he continued.
The Philippines is among the 29 countries participating in the world’s largest maritime warfare exercise.
In addition, over 25,000 personnel from participating countries will participate in the RIMPAC.
