As part of the growing military ties between the Philippines and Japan, the Japanese helicopter carrier, the JS Izumo (DDH-183) and the guided missile destroyer JS Sazanami, will arrive in Subic Bay, Zambales on Sunday for goodwill visit.
The two ships are part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Escort Flotilla One, Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said Friday.
“Welcome ceremony and port briefing will be conducted upon arrival of the JMSDF Escort Flotilla One at Port of Subic Bay, Olongapo after a customary meeting procedure with (a) Philippine Navy designated vessel at the vicinity of Subic Bay,” he added.
The JS Izumo is the biggest ship in the JMSDF as it weighs about 27,000 tons and measures 248 meters long.
She was laid down on Jan. 27, 2012 and launched on Aug. 6, 2013. The ship began sea trials on Sept. 29, 2014 and was commissioned on March 25, 2015.