The Philippine Navy has received its second major warship today, reported the eagle.com.
BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a former U.S. Coastguard cutter, was welcomed by the Philippine President Benigno Aquino III while pulling into Subic Bay.
The President stated that the ship will further contribute to intensification of their patrolling of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, responding to SAR operations and taking care of their marine resources.
What is more, the ship will protect the country’s potentially oil-rich offshore seas, Filipino officials said.
BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) is a Philippine Navy Gregorio del Pilar class frigate.
From 1968 to 2012, it was known as USCGC Dallas (WHEC-716) and served the US Coast Guard as a high endurance cutter.
It was decommissioned on 30 March 2012 and was acquired by the Philippines under the Excess Defense Articles and the Foreign Assistance Act.
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Naval Today Staff, August 6, 2013; Image: Navy