US Pacific Fleet commander arrives in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — American Admiral Harry Harris Jr. commander of the United States Pacific Fleet arrived in Manila on Monday on his first official visit to the Philippines, a long-time US ally.

The US Embassy said in a statement that Harris will meet with US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and will make an office call on top Philippine military officials.

The American admiral will meet with Philippine Navy Flag-Officer-In-Command Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano at the Navy headquarters and will also visit Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista.

"Adm. Harris plans to use this opportunity to discuss the strong and enduring relationships between the US and Philippine navies, the implications of the US military’s rebalance to the Pacific, and the importance of naval engagement and cooperation for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," the embassy in Manila said.

Harris, an Asian-American, is the 34th officer to command the Pearl Harbor-based US Pacific Fleet since it was established in 1941.

"He is the highest ranking Asian-American in the history of the US Navy," the embassy said.

Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Chief of US Naval Operations, visited the country earlier this month.