British navy ships dock in Philippines

British navy ships dock in Philippines

PHILIPPINES: Two British navy ships docked in a former U.S. naval base north of the Philippines capital Manila on Sunday for joint exercises with local forces.

HMS Exeter and RFA Grey Hover will stay in Subic port for four days on a goodwill visit and to demonstrate their ability to operate in areas such as the Asia-Pacific, port officials said.

The crew of 316 will also be conducting "joint naval training exercises including warfare technical advice" with the Philippine navy, Exeter's commanding officer Andrew Reed said in a statement.

British sailors will also be engaged in outreach programs in local communities in the area, he said.

Filipino sailors, meanwhile, will be given hands-on training aboard the ships, said Philippine navy spokesman Capt. Ernesto Bonifacio. --AFP