Two British navy ships dock in Philippines' Subic for exercises

MANILA (AFP) Jul 25, 2004
Two British navy ships docked in a former US naval base north of the Philippines capital Manila Sunday for joint exercises with local forces.

HMS Exeter and RFA Grey Hover will stay in the Subic freeport for four days on a goodwill visit and to demonstrate their ability to operate in areas such as the Asia Pacific, port officials said.

The crew of 316 will also be conducting "joint naval training exercises including warfare technical advice" with the Philippine navy, Exeter's commanding officer Andrew Reed said in a statement.

British sailors will also be engaged in outreach programs in local communities in the area, he said.

Filipino sailors meanwhile will be given hands on training aboard the ships, said Philippine navy spokesman Captain Ernesto Bonifacio.

WAR.WIRE