The visit of 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) to the country concluded with a maritime cooperative activity or “PASSEX” with BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) off Mariveles, Bataan Tuesday afternoon.
“This maritime cooperative activity concluded the visit of the USS Blue Ridge in the country, which was highlighted by its port visit in Manila and the conduct of the annual PN-US 7th Fleet Staff to Staff Talks. The latter activity provided a venue to discuss matters of mutual concern focusing on interoperability between the two navies and regional security issues,” Philippine Navy spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata said.
In a statement Wednesday, Zata said the maneuvers were conducted around 1 p.m. PASSEX is short for “passing exercise” which is a series of drills done to ensure synchonization of communication and cooperation between two participating navies.
The American ship arrived in the Philippines last March 13.
The events highlights the PN’s ability to perform its distinct role, in terms of naval diplomacy, by engaging with other navies in the region in order to further strengthen, not only its ties, but also enhance its capabilities in performing its missions in a combined environment.
