Japan has confirmed that a Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine will visit the Philippines for the first time in more than a decade, while two ships escorting the sub will continue on to Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay for an unprecedented port call and training exercises.
The MSDF said in a press release dated Tuesday that the submarine Oyashio, which is used for training purposes, would be accompanied by two escort ships, the Ariake and the Setogiri, when the vessels set sail Saturday for annual exercises that are slated to wrap up April 27.
All three vessels would visit the Philippines' Subic Bay, former home to a U.S. naval base, for open sea drills. Some 500 personnel, including 55 officer candidates, are to take part in the exercises.