Two Sokor ships arrive for goodwill visit

Two vessels from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) have docked in Pier 15, Manila South Harbor, Monday for a three-day goodwill visit to the Philippines with the Philippine Navy (PN).

ROKN vessels the destroyer Munmu the Great (DDH-976) and fast combat support ship Hwacheon (AOE-59) are here as part of the ROKN Cruise Training Task Group comprised of more than 600 Navy personnel and around 100 cadets headed by its commander, Rear Admiral Yang Min Soo.

Both ships were given the customary meeting point procedure off Corregidor Island by BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36), later escorting them to their berthing place at the Manila South Harbor.

Led by the commander of the Littoral Combat Force of the Philippine Fleet, Commodore Rey de la Cruz, the welcoming ceremonies for the visiting South Korean naval personnel was well-attended by the PN.

“(The) presence of these two Korea Navy vessels and its contingent underscores the continuing efforts of the Philippines and Korea to strengthen the relationship between our governments and navies,” he added.

The South Korean naval officer and his party are scheduled to have a courtesy call on the Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad and Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo.

Yang pointed out that the visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, and thanked the PN for welcoming the Cruise Training Task Group.

He also recognized the Philippines as the “first to dispatch ground forces to support the Republic of Korea during the Korean War.”

“ROKN will forever remember the noble sacrifice of Philippine forces… (the goodwill visit will be the) time to commemorate the war veterans and enhance exchange cooperation with the Philippine Navy,” Yang added.