The Philippine Navy Prepares for BRP Alcaraz Arrival

The Philippine Navy is preparing for the arrival of its second warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz, according to gma news.

The warship, which is on the way to the Philippines, is expected to arrive in Subic Bay on August 4th.

However, before arriving to its final destination the ship will stop at Guam over the weekend.

As explained by the Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, the ship may be deployed at the Philippine exclusive economic zone, or the West Philippine Sea.

In addition, three new Augusta 109 helicopters will be delivered to the Navy  in December, which will also aid in the country’s maritime surveillance, stated the Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is a Philippine Navy Gregorio del Pilar class frigate.

From 1968 to 2012, it was known as USCGC Dallas and served the US Coast Guard as a high endurance cutter.

The ship was decommissioned on 30 March 2012 and was acquired by the Philippines under the Excess Defense Articles and the Foreign Assistance Act.

Ramon Alcaraz is the second of several ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutters that will serve the Philippine Navy.

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Naval Today Staff, July 26, 2013