Manila, November 18, 2015
United States President Barack Obama
attended a maritime security event yesterday aboard the BRP Gregory del Pilar
at Pier 13 near the National Coast Watch Center in Manila Harbor.
This first event of President Obama's
visit included a tour of the ship from Commanding Officer Captain Vincent
Sibala, meet and great with Philippine defense officials, U.S. sailors from USS
Fitzgerald, and Philippine sailors from the Gregorio del Pilar and remarks from
the President to national and international media on the pier.
"The United States has been
committed to the security of this region for more than 70 years," said
President Obama. "We have a treaty obligation, an ironclad commitment to
the defense of our ally, the Philippines. You can count on the United
States"
The event reinforced the U.S.
commitment to maritime security in the region, and to the strong standing
relationship between the U.S. and the Philippiines.
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Remarks by President Obama After Touring the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, at Pier 15 South Harbor, Manila.
2:51 P.M. PHT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good afternoon, everybody. It is wonderful to be back in the Philippines. And I want to thank Secretary Gazmin, General Iriberri, Rear Admiral Alano and Melad, Captain Sibala, and the members of the Philippine Armed Forces for welcoming me here today. I want to acknowledge the American servicemembers who are here and who are part of our unbreakable alliance.
The United States has been committed to the security of this region for more than 70 years. We have a treaty obligation, an ironclad commitment to the defense of our ally, the Philippines. You can count on the United States.
My visit here underscores our shared commitment to the security of the waters of this region and to the freedom of navigation. This watch center was built with U.S. grants. The ship that I just toured, a former U.S. Coast Guard vessel, helps the Philippines respond to disasters, perform counterterrorism missions, and patrol the South China Sea.
Today, I can announce that we intend to transfer two additional ships to the Philippine Navy, a research vessel to help map its territorial waters, and another U.S. Coast Guard cutter to bolster the Navy’s ability to conduct long-endurance patrols. It’s part of our larger plan to increase maritime security assistance to our allies and our partners across the region -- $250 million over the course of two years. More capable navies and partnership with the United States are critical to the security of this region.
And I want to thank once again the members of the Philippine Armed Forces for their outstanding work. And, Mr. Secretary, I can tell you that after inspection, the ship looks like it’s in tip-top shape. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
END
2:53 P.M. PHT
U.S. Embassy - Manila, Philippines
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Manila, November 16, 2015 — The Arleigh Burke-class USS Fitzgerald
(DDG 62) arrived today in Manila Bay in general support of APEC. The ship’s
five-day support mission is in conjunction with its routine patrol in the 7th
Fleet area of operations. During its short visit, there will be no scheduled
liberty for U.S. Sailors aboard. Please send any queries to the U.S. Embassy
Public Affairs office.
For more information about the Fitzgerald visit:
* * * * * * *
Related story :
BRP Gregorio
del Pilar at Keppel Shipyard, Bauan Batangas
BRP Gregorio
del Pilar (PF-15) - ex USCGC Hamilton [WHEC-715)
BRP Gregorio
del Pilar (PF-15) - ex USCGC Hamilton [WHEC-715)
BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) - ex USCGC Hamilton [WHEC-715)
http://www.timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=25937.2715
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YouTube Videos
Obama: Two more naval ships for the Philippines
US Pres. Barack Obama, bumisita
sa BRP Gregorio Del Pilar
Obama tour at PH warship capped with selfie
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