P R E S S A D V I S O R Y

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Navy Public Affairs Office

02 August 2010, Monday

WHO: Commander of the 7th Fleet and US Ship Blue Ridge
(LCC 19)

WHAT: Arrival Ceremony

WHEN: 04 August 2010 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila

DETAILS:

The Philippine Navy (PN) is ready to receive the goodwill
visit of Vice Admiral John Bird USN, Commander 7th Fleet
(C7F) and USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

Part of the protocol is a meeting procedure wherein the
Philippine Navy ship, BRP Leopoldo Regis (PG 847), meets
the USS Blue Ridge 19 upon its arrival in the vicinity of
Corregidor Island around 5 AM Wednesday, 04 August 2010.
PG 847 will then escort LCC 19 up to Pier 13 in South Harbor,
Manila where it will dock until its departure on Saturday,
07 August 2010.

A press conference to be presided by US Embassy officials
is scheduled 10 AM onboard LCC 19. The Commander of the
7thFleet and Commanding Officer of LCC 19 will entertain
questions from the media.

The goodwill visit paves the way for strengthening ties
for both countries and to reiterate the the commitment in
combating terrorism which requires a concerted effort among
nations who aspire for peace and stability in the Asia
Pacific region. The goodwill visit also serves as a good
venue to discuss with our US counterparts the possibilities
for closer linkages such as mutual visits, exchange of
subject matter experts and research analysts, and similar
activities that would contribute to a mutually beneficial
relationship between the Philippines and US armed forces
in the area of defense/military research. This will give
opportunity for both navies to learn from one another the
best practices in technology and warfare.

Slated in the coming days is a shipboard tour and
familiarization of students of the Fleet Training Center,
Cavite City that will give opportunity for PN students to
optimize learning aboard state-of-the-art vessels as the
PN embarks on its modernization. This will will acquaint
the Philippine Navy with modern technology that would
prepare and accustom them for an effective and efficient
operation of navy vessels once the Philippine navy achieves
its desired modernized state.

Officers and personnel of both navies are also scheduled to
participate in humanitarian projects in Manila with the
construction of a day care center in Caloocan City and a
visit at the Gawad Kalinga Village in Taguig City. The two
navies will also see action during sports activities at NS
Jose Francisco, Taguig City.

Friends from the media are invited to cover the said event.
PG 847 will depart Commodore Divino Pier at the Navy
Headquarters in Roxas Blvd, Manila around 2:45 AM, 04 August
2010. Boarding time is between 2 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Please
bring medical masks and wear comfortable clothes. Interested
parties may coordinate with ENS LIEZL VIDALLON PN at mobile
telephone number 0916-242-9920 for other details.