Saturday, July 18, 2015

Filipino defense, military officials gratified with Swift's statements

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): Filipino defense, military officials gratified with Swift's statements

The announcement of US Pacific Fleet commander, Admiral Scott Swift, reassuring allies of American willingness to act against a perceived Chinese threats in the region, was warmly received by ranking Filipino defense and military officials Saturday.

"It's always welcome to hear words of commitment from US officials particular in light of as we faced together an oppressive neighbor," Defense spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said in a message to the PNA.

Swift is in the Philippines for the first leg of his visit to allied nations in the Pacific.

He was appointed Pacific Fleet commander last May 27, replacing Admiral Harry B. Harris, who is now current commander of United States Pacific Command.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan reiterated Galvez's statement and stressed that Swift's pronouncement's indicated American commitment to the region.

"His strong statement as Commander Pac Fleet indicates the US commitment to maintain stability in the region," he said in a message to the PNA.

"This is good for all those using the sea lanes, including us as freedom of navigation and overflight will be maintained," Millan pointed out.

Swift earlier said that the US Navy was “very interested” in increasing both drills and America’s presence in the region, largely in response to perceived threat from China.

"The reason that people continue to ask about the long-term commitment and intentions of the Pacific Fleet is reflective really of all the uncertainty that has generated in the theater now," he said.

Yet, even without a military buildup in the region, Swift remains confident that the US is prepared to meet any conflict that should arise.

"(I am) very satisfied with the resources that I have available to me as the Pacific Fleet commander," Swift said.

"We are ready and prepared to respond to any contingency that the President may suggest would be necessary," he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784116

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