BRP Ramon Alcaraz voyage successful so far - PN spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13): BRP Ramon Alcaraz voyage successful so far - PN spokesperson

Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the homeward voyage of BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the country's second Hamilton-class cutter, is successful so far.

"All of her systems are working properly and right now she is steaming for San Diego, California after her visit in Mayport, Florida," he said.

The ship is expected to reach San Diego within two to three days barring inclement weather at her economical cruising speed of 12 knots (equivalent to 13.80 nautical miles per hour).

The distance from Mayport, Florida to San Diego, California is estimated around 1,814 nautical miles.

At this rate, the ship is expected to arrive at her destination within the next to three days.

Fabic earlier said that the ship has successfully fired her main weapon, the 76mm Oto Melara auto-cannon and tested her combined diesel or gas propulsion system without experiencing any fault.

"She was able to reach 25 knots (28.75 nautical miles per hour) without any difficulty and the 76mm Oto Melara auto cannon was fired in single and multiple firing scheme without misfire," he added.

The ship's top speed is placed at 28 to 31 knots.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz has departed Charleston, South Carolina Monday (American time) for her two-month voyage to the Philippines.

The ship had been refurbished and refitted at a cost of USD15.15- million there since it was acquired by the Philippines in May 2012.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533888