3 naval helicopters to be deployed aboard Hamilton cutters

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): 3 naval helicopters to be deployed aboard Hamilton cutters

The three AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" naval helicopters, scheduled for delivery this December, will be deployed aboard the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said Friday.

"The (helicopters) will increase the frigates capability for maritime surveillance," he added.

The PN chief stressed the two ships and naval helicopters will greatly improve the Navy's maritime situational awareness or the capability to detect, monitor and engage any seaborne threat.

Alano said this is possible because both ships are equipped with a landing pad and a telescoping hangar.

The flight and maintenance crews of the three AW-109 "Power" helicopters are now undergoing training at Italy, the PN chief added.

Alano said the helicopters will be delivered and assembled in the Philippines by December.

Both ships will be deployed to protect the West Philippines Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=548464