NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila — The Philippine Navy, led by Naval Reserve Command Deputy Commander, Commo Lemuel Espartinez, welcomed the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Her Majesty Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal (FFH-336) in a ceremony on August 02 at the Navy Headquarters.  

HMCS Montrèal Commanding Officer, Cdr. Travis Bain, along with Canadian Ambassador, His Excellency David Hartman; and Defense Attaché, Lt. Col. Jason Elliot King, also met with the Fleet Training and Doctrines Center Superintendent, Capt. Lorenzo Bolor Jr. and discussed the  objectives and activities for the RCN's Goodwill Visit to the country from August 02-06. 

"Through our ongoing engagements in the Indo-Pacific, the Royal Canadian Navy is reinforcing partnerships with trusted partners from across the region. I look forward to working closely with the Philippine Navy throughout our visit to Manila to foster sailor-to-sailor exchanges and strengthen relationships with like-minded nations by integrating with partner navies, participating in training exercises, and engaging in military and diplomatic cooperation," Cdr. Bain expressed. 

Visits as such solidifies the PN and RCN's defense partnership and cultural understanding through the conduct of community outreach activities, goodwill games, cook exchange and trade tours. 

As the Philippines and Canada mark the 75th year since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, the Philippine Navy is honored to host the delegation from the Royal Canadian Navy and anticipates a productive engagement that will enhance the longstanding naval cooperation between our forces.

PUBLISHED BY:    Naval Public Affairs Office (NPAO) CDR JOHN PERCIE A ALCOS PN(GSC) Director, Naval Public Affairs Office