November 28, 2025
MANILA – Following the recent official trip of the Philippine Fleet (PF) delegation to Yokosuka, Japan, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer arrived at the Naval Operating Base here for a three-day goodwill visit.
In a statement on Thursday, the PF said the arrival of JS Harusame (DD102) on Wednesday (Nov. 26) further strengthens navy-to-navy ties with the JMSDF.
READ: PH, US and Japan end fresh exercisesDestroyer Commander Makoto Ozawa, together with Assistant Defense Attaché Cdr. Kawahata Noriyuki and two other JMSDF officers paid a courtesy call on Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe. Both navies discussed their engagement last August, as well as Orbe’s recent visit to Yokosuka, in preparation for the official PF–JMSDF staff-to-staff talks to be held in the Philippines
Orbe assured the visiting JMSDF delegates of the Fleet’s readiness to provide any assistance they may require, while both sides exchanged insights based on their experiences as ship commanding officers, the statement added.
As part of the visit, Orbe and his staff toured the JMSDF destroyer to familiarize themselves with the vessel’s equipment and technology, promoting knowledge-sharing and enhancing mutual appreciation of each other’s maritime assets and operational procedures.
The visit will conclude with a send-off ceremony on Saturday, marking the completion of the goodwill engagement and reaffirming the enduring ties between the PN and the JMSDF.