PH Navy’s copter on BRP Antonio Luna joins anti-sub drills off Hawaii

The Philippine Navy’s AW-109 helicopter being prepared its participation in the combined anti-submarine warfare exercise during the sea phase of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 on July 14, 2022. During the exercise, personnel on board a surface or air lvesse trained to recognize a submarine maneuvering broached and submerged at periscope depth. (Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy’s Agusta Westland (AW-109) helicopter aboard the missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) joined anti-submarine drills at this year’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise last July 14 off Hawaii.

Personnel on board a surface or air vessel are trained to spot a submarine submerged at periscope depth, or the depth in which it is able to use its periscope for tracking targets.

The AW-109 helicopter is part of the Naval Task Group 80.5 wing component led by pilot-in-command, Lt. Philipp Concepcion Padreganda, along with co-pilots Lt. Elvan Anthony Marcelo and Lt. (Junior Grade) Kevin John Reforba.

More than 25,000 personnel and 170 aircraft from 26 countries are in the RIMPAC drills, considered the world’s largest maritime exercise, and is held biennially to promote regional stability in the Pacific region.

This year’s RIMPAC began on June 29 and runs until August 4.