US, Japan, PH navy officials hold meeting in Manila

From Update.Ph (Mar 6): US, Japan, PH navy officials hold meeting in Manila

The commander of United States Navy Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin arrived in the Philippines aboard the fleet’s command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). The vessel arrived in Manila Friday, March 4.

Admiral Aucoin is hosting a bilateral staff talks with officials from the Philippine Navy. The American navy official will also host a trilateral staff talks with officials from the Philippine Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The meetings aim to enhance cooperation and strengthen relationships to best provide security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific.

USS Blue Ridge primary role is providing command, control, communication, computers, and intelligent support (C4I) to commander and staff of United States Seventh Fleet. US Navy Seventh Fleet’s area of operation includes 36 maritime countries and the world’s five largest foreign armed forces, People’s Republic of China, Russia, India, North Korea and Republic of Korea. Moreover, five of the seven US Mutual Defense Treaties are with countries in the area, Republic of the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

“The U.S. military has a long history of ties with the Philippines, going back to Subic Bay,” said Lt. Daniel Kohlbeck, Blue Ridge Operations Officer. “They are an important friend in our area of responsibility, and building the relationship is really vital to the security of the region. This is a hugely important visit and I’m glad that it is Blue Ridge going in to make this happen.”

http://www.update.ph/2016/03/us-japan-ph-navy-officials-hold-meeting-in-manila/3072