Ruptly
"The Philippines sent its newest guided-missile frigate and a Coast Guard patrol vessel to Hawaii on Thursday to participate in the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Footage captured in Subic shows the send-off ceremony for Naval Task Group 84, led by BRP Miguel Malvar, as sailors board the vessel and depart for Hawaii. Coast Guard personnel are later seen departing from Pier 13 in Manila's South Harbour aboard BRP Gabriela Silang, which will join the multinational exercise for the first time. Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta said that the Philippines' return to the exercise after its last ship deployment in 2022 reflected Manila's commitment to being a 'credible partner' while expanding cooperation with regional and international navies. "We demonstrate our dedication to building a truly modern, multi-domain and self-reliant naval force to advance our national interests and maritime capabilities, as well as uphold a rules-based international order," Ezpeleta said. "Stability in our waters is born out of the desire to collaborate and synergise efforts at sea, and our participation in this year's RIMPAC is anchored on this intent, to become bridge builders that reinforce partnerships and sustain our Navy's growth. With this, I wish you fair winds, clear skies, and following seas," he added. RIMPAC 2026 is scheduled to run from June 24 to July 31 around the Hawaiian Islands and will bring together forces from 31 nations, making it the largest edition of the exercise to date. According to the US Pacific Fleet, the drills will involve around 40 ships, five submarines, 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel."
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