BRP Jose Rizal joins naval exercises in Hawaii

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s newest ship BRP Jose Rizal has joined other vessels in Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) 2020 exercise, the world’s largest naval exercise, which officially kicked off on Monday.

United States 3rd fleet and Rimpac commander Vice Admiral Scott Conn welcomed participating navies from the Philippines, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Japan, France, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore.

“Rimpac presents a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships and build trust,” Conn said. BRP Jose Rizal skipper Capt. Jerry Garrido Jr. said, “Rimpac 2020 is a great avenue for our Navy to train participating commanders, staff and forces in planning and execution of combined naval operations.”

Participating are 22 ships, a submarine, and 5,300 personnel.

—Jeanette I . Andrade