Visit of Royal Australian Navy Ship, HMAS Tobruk, in Manila
Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) is in Manila for a three-day visit, 6-9 August. The short break from sea, gave the ship’s company an opportunity to continue their association with Filipino colleagues. HMAS Tobruk’s Commanding Officer Leif Maxfield (2nd from left) said the ship’s company were looking forward to seeing the progress the region has made since they were deployed as part of Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST following Typhoon Yolanda last year. HMAS played a vital part in the Australian Defence Force’s Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief efforts, carrying emergency supplies, water purifiers, generators, earth moving equipment and vehicles. The ship also assisted with clean up tasks at Ormoc, Leyte schools and distributed aid supplies to areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Commander Maxfield, along with Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell (left) and Australian Embassy Defence Attaché Colonel Bruce Murray (right), met Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr (2nd from right) at a reception on the HMAS Tobruk.
Media note: A copy of Ambassador Bill Tweddell’s remarks at the formal reception is available at http://www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/Speech140806.html