US Navy Secretary Mabus says alliance with PH vital amid US defense rebalance

From InterAksyon (Jun 17): US Navy Secretary Mabus says alliance with PH vital amid US defense rebalance

U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is on a three-day visit to the Philippines, in a trip deemed crucial to America’s defense pivot and ranged against a backdrop of rising maritime tensions between China and Southeast Asian countries.

Mabus, who will conduct official government meetings and visit with U.S. personnel, said in a statement released by the US embassy in Manila: "As we rebalance to the Pacific, our alliance with the Philippines has never been more important than it is today."

Mabus said he looked forward to "exploring opportunities to work with the Philippine armed forces to build greater maritime capacity and increase security and stability in the region."

Meetings were set between Mabus and AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, the Flag Officer in Command of the Navy Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, and other senior U.S. and Philippine government and military officials.

Mabus' visit reflects the importance that the United States holds for the strong and enduring relationship with the Philippines, according to the US embassy statement.

Mabus is expected to discuss bilateral and multilateral security issues and efforts, maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, it added.

The Secretary of the Navy conducts all business matters for the two uniformed services that make up the Department of the Navy, the Navy and the Marine Corps.  This involves implementing policies and programs to support the national security objectives established by U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. 

Additionally, Mabus oversees the construction and repair of naval ships, aircraft, and facilities.  He is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $170 billion and provides leadership for almost 900,000 people.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/64270/us-navy-secretary-mabus-says-alliance-with-ph-vital-amid-us-defense-rebalance