The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) amphibious ship HMAS Tobruk recently hosted an Official Reception for Philippine dignitaries in the Port of Manila, during a port visit to the city.
Tobruk’s Commanding Officer, Commander Leif Maxfield, RAN, welcomed the Chief of Staff Armed Forces Philippines, General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Mr William Tweddell, and other senior officers and distinguished local guests.
Tobruk last visited the Philippines last year as part of Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST, Australia’s contribution to the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations following Typhoon Haiyan.
Commander Maxfield personally thanked Commander Ulysses “Bruce” Deliva (Philippines Navy) who was present on the evening, and was the embedded Philippine Naval Liaison Officer during Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST.
Torbuk’s visit is the first time in almost two years that a RAN warship has journeyed to Manila for a port visit.