The frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFH-152), one of the most capable ships of the Royal Australian Navy, has docked in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan for a port visit, highlighting the strong military ties between the Philippines and Australia.
In a statement Wednesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. boarded the ship on Tuesday and was toured by its commanding officer, Commander Jennifer Graham, inside the vessel.
During the tour, Brawner was accompanied by Defense Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio Madriaga and Naval Forces West head Commodore Alan Javier.
“The call and visit is part of the AFP’s military diplomacy activities aimed at strengthening military relations with partner nations. It is also covered under the PH-AUS (Philippine-Australia) Status of Visiting Forces Agreement,” Trinidad added.
No specific details on the schedule of the Australian frigate’s visit were given for security reasons.
The HMAS Warramunga is a one of the three Anzac-class frigates of the RAN and is capable of air defense, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction missions.
The ship is capable of speeds of 27 knots and has a range of 6,000 nautical miles. HMAS Warramunga also has a complement of 170 naval officers and sailors.