US Pacific Fleet reaffirms defense ties with Philippines
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano met with Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, during the latter's visit to the country. US Embassy Manila/Released
MANILA, Philippines — In his recent visit to the Philippines, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet reaffirmed the US Navy's strong partnership and ties with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año and Philippine Navy Flag Officer in-Command Vice Adm. Ronald J.S. Mercado in his visit to the country from June 11 to 14.
"The Philippine Navy is a valued and enduring ally of the US Navy and a close partner of the Pacific Fleet," Swift said.
The Pacific Fleet commander stressed their commitment in addressing security concerns in the region such as counter-terrorism and piracy.
"We continue to build on the strong relationship we have and to reaffirm our commitment to working together to face shared challenges," Swift said.
As part of its long-standing alliance with the Philippines, the US has been supporting the Philippines' in improving strengthening its national defense and improving its capabilities to respond to natural disasters, terror threats, piracy and other transnational crimes.
The US Navy's Pacific Fleet is the world's largest fleet command with approximately 200 ships and submarines, nearly 1,100 aircraft and more than 130,000 sailors and civilians. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
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