The exercise is participated by 180 strong personnel that include the crew of PF 16, the crew of helicopter Augusta Westland PNH431, medical team, and the exercise directorate members. Rear Admiral Isabelo Gador heads the event.
KAKADU is the largest international maritime exercise hosted biennially by the Royal Australian Navy and represents an opportunity to promote and enhance regional interoperability and cooperation among the participating navies.
This year’s exercise will be participated by 12 countries – Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Pakistan and Australia while Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vanuatu, South Korea, and India will be sending personnel as observers.
This is the second time the Philippine Navy has sent its ship to participate since the exercise began in 1993. The first time that the Philippine Navy sent a ship was in 1999.
The Philippine Navy’s participation is expected to enhance its surface warfare capabilities and interoperability with regional navies. It will also be an opportunity for the Philippine Navy to enhance cooperation, camaraderie, and good working relationship with the participating navies. Its participation in multilateral exercises is an affirmation of its commitment in collaborating with other navies to promote peace and stability in the maritime region.
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