Philippines Navy gets capability upgrade with new sea assets

Manila: The navy commissioned two landing crafts donated by the Australian government and two multi-role helicopters on Monday in a ceremony that also marked the turn-over of the command of the Philippine Fleet.

Outgoing Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice-Admiral Jesus Millan received the two ships which will join other similar vessels in the navy’s sealift command.

The vessels, called Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) arrived in Sangley Point, Cavite on August 7.

The addition of the two LCHs brings to 11 the total number of landing craft in the navy’s sealift command. Another LCH, a Mulgae Class vessel from South Korea, is expected to join the fleet soon aside from the bigger and brand new Strategic Sealift Vessel from Indonesia which is expected to enter service in 2016.

According to Millan, the addition of these vessels “translates into the boosting of the capability of the navy to transport personnel, equipment and aid during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. They will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another.

Moving personnel and equipment during humanitarian emergencies is vital for the Philippines, a country that is frequently battered by typhoons, other weather disturbances as well as earthquakes”.

While the newly commissioned LCHs, BRP Ivatan and BRP Batak are slower compared to airlift assets, they are capable of transporting more material and personnel.

Incoming Navy chief Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad, during the same ceremony that also highlighted the turnover of the command of the naval arm, said BRP Ivatan and BRP Batak had been named in honour of the two distinct ethnic groups from Batanes and Palawan.

The two aircraft, AW109 Augusta-Westland power helicopters, will each serve on board the navy’s frigates, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and Gregorio del Pilar.

The new helicopters will be armed with machineguns as well as free-fire, unguided rockets and will have the capability to conduct maritime surveillance, air support and search and rescue.

From being one of the most modern navies in Southeast Asia during the 1960s, the Philippine Navy, which is tasked with safeguarding one of the most expansive coastal waters in the world, is making do with hand-me-downs from other countries.

“These new assets are manifestations of our navy’s optimum readiness to perform its tasks and the ability to adapt vis-a-vis the emergent operating environment. This special occasion likewise signifies the assurance from your navy of renewed strength and vigour in accomplishing our mandates,” Millan said.