2 PH Navy Ships Join ASEAN Maritime Drills Sea Phase

18 Mei 2023

The second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) (all photos : PN)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday announced that two of its ships, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), participated in the seagoing phase of the second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) which was held last May 13 to 14.

In a statement, Navy spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said the maneuvers took place near Grande Island, Zambales, and Lubang Island, Bataan.

Nine ships from participating Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) navies joined the seagoing phase of the AMNEX, he added.

Participating warships are also from Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

"The two-day phase was composed of exercises and maneuvers designed to enhance interoperability and maritime responsiveness, improve synchronization and communication, and develop mutual trust and understanding among participants in the conduct of maritime operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster response," Negranza said.

These include photo exercise, maritime search and rescue, publication exercise, flash exercise, deck landing qualification, night steaming in company, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance, and maritime interdiction operation with visit board search and seizure.

BRP Antonio Luna (photo : PN)

"AMNEX 2023 allows and capacitates ASEAN navies to respond to common regional maritime threats and challenges through interoperability, maritime responsiveness, and readiness," he added.

BRP Andres Bonifacio (photo : PN)

This year's AMNEX started May 12 and will end on the 16th. It also provides a platform for the PN to further the conduct of naval diplomacy as one of the effective tools to promote interests and uphold territorial integrity. (PNA)

KD Lekiu (photo : PN)

PH Navy hosts ASEAN Fleet Review

The ASEAN navies showcased synergy and solidarity during the Philippine Navy-hosted ASEAN Fleet Review off Subic on May 11.

RSS Supreme (photo : PN)

Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna FF151 - PF and BRP Andres Bonifacio PS17- PF joined seven more naval ships from Republic of Singapore Navy (RSS Supreme), TNI Angkatan Laut (KRI Gusti Ngurah Rai), Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (KD Lekiu), Royal Thai Navy (HTMS Pattani), Royal Brunei Navy (KDB Daruttaqwa and KDB Afiat), and Vietnam People's Navy (Tran Hung Dao).

HTMS Pattani (photo : PN)

The naval parade was witnessed by Department of National Defense - Philippines Officer In Charge, USec. Carlito Galvez Jr. as the guest of honor. He was joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Andres Centino, PN Flag Officer In Command, VAdm Toribio Adaci Jr., and the Navy Chiefs of different ASEAN member-states aboard BRP Davao del Sur LD602.

KRI Gusti Ngurah Rai (photo : PN)

USec. Carlito Galvez Jr., described the convening of Navies and delegates for this much anticipated Fleet Review as "a source of pride and delight for ASEAN citizens," that will "further foster interoperability and cooperation among ASEAN member states in the conduct of responsible maritime security operations."

HQ Tran Hung Dao (photo : PN)

VAdm Adaci meanwhile said that "beyond naval displays, we will leverage the ASEAN Fleet Review and AMNEX as a venue for networking, dialogue, and knowledge exchange."

KDB Daruttaqwa (photo : PN)

Collaboration and innovation drive continuous improvement, bolstering our capabilities, interoperability, and promoting naval modernization for the benefit of ASEAN," he added.

KDB Afiat (photo : PN)

The AFR served as the culmination of the 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) and the commencement of the 2nd ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX). 

(PN)