PNOY WELCOMES IN SUBIC PH’s NEW ADDITION TO NAVY FLEET

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Over a dozen private yachts and speed boats from the Subic Bay Yacht Club and Manila Yacht Club escorted in fluvial formation BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16), the latest addition to the Philippine Navy Fleet, as it entered Subic Bay after a two-month journey from the coast of South Carolina, U.S.A.

Amid cloudy skies and intermittent rains, BRP Ramon Alcaraz docked at Subic’s Alava Pier in a festive atmosphere with no less than President Benigno Aquino leading the welcome ceremonies.

Subic will be the BRP Ramon Alcaraz’ new home port, within striking distance from the Panatag Shoals and the West Philippines Sea, which China has been disputing ownership with the Philippines.

According to LCdr. Gregory Gerald V. Fabic, director, Naval Public Affairs Office, BRP Ramon Alcaraz is a former US Coast Guard Hamilton class cutter and first served as the US Coast Guard Cutter Dallas before its transfer to the Philippines as an Excess Defense Article through the Foreign Assistance Act.

The 3,250 ton frigate is equipped with two 3,000 horsepower diesel engines that could attain longer sustainable speed of more than 15 knots and two 18,000 horsepower gas turbines that could propel the ship to a speed of over 25 knots in urgent situations.

Named after World War II hero Ramon Alcaraz, the ship has a flight deck and an extendable hangar that could keep a helicopter for an extensive maritime patrol.

“After the ship’s refurbishing and training of its manning personnel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz will boost the Philippine Navy’s capability in maritime situations,” Fabic said.

“It’s a welcome sight,” local businessman Frankie Barretto told Subic Bay News publisher Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr. aboard his boat Lady Lei.

The prospect of hosting the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force, as well as visiting US ships, is well-received among local residents and businessmen here because of the expected positive economic impact, as in the days when Subic was still a US Naval Base. (VVV) ###

 

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16) at its new home in Subic, within striking distance of the West Philippines Sea where several islands and shoals of the country are being claimed by China. (SBNphoto by Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr.)