Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES – The Philippine Navy, through the Philippine Fleet (PF), has further strengthened navy-to-navy ties with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) by welcoming destroyer JS Harusame (DD102) for a Goodwill visit from November 26 to 29, 2025.

This visit, which followed the recent official trip of a PF delegation to Yokosuka, Japan led by PF Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN, began with an arrival honor for JS Harusame (DD102) skippered by Commander Makoto Ozawa, as it made port at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales.

JMSDF ship Cdr. Ozawa, along with Assistant Defense Attaché Cdr. Kawahata Noriyuki, and two other JMSDF officers paid a courtesy call on PF Commander Orbe.

During the call, both navies discussed the PF Commander’s engagement in August and his recent visit to Yokosuka, Japan, in preparation for the official PF and JMSDF Staff-to-Staff Talk to be held in the Philippines. The PF Commander also assured the visiting JMSDF delegates of the Fleet’s readiness to provide any assistance they may require, while both sides exchanged insights from their experiences as ship commanding officers.

📸 PF Commander, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN, receives a shipboard orientation at the bridge of JS Harusame (DD102), alongside its Commanding Officer, Commander Makoto Ozawa on November 26, 2025.

As part of the visit, a shipboard tour of the JMSDF destroyer by the PF Commander and staff was conducted, allowing them to familiarize the vessel’s equipment and technology, while also promoting knowledge sharing and enhancing mutual appreciation of each other’s maritime assets and operational procedures. The visit will conclude with a send-off ceremony on November 29, 2025, marking the completion of the goodwill visit and reaffirming the enduring ties between the PN and the JMSDF.

This visit underscores the continued efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation and foster stronger ties between the PN and the JMSDF. It reaffirms the shared commitment of both nations to enhance professional expertise, operational interoperability, and bilateral trust, supporting the shared goal of a secure and stable maritime environment.

PF Commander, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN, receives a shipboard orientation at the bridge of JS Harusame (DD102), alongside its Commanding Officer, Commander Makoto Ozawa on November 26, 2025. (PR)​

TOP 📸: The Philippine Navy rendered arrival honors to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS HARUSAME (DD-102) upon its arrival at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales, for a Goodwill Visit on November 26, 2025. (Photos courtesy of Philippine Fleet via Ang Pahayagan)