PN deploys BRP Gregorio Del Pilar as command-and-control ship in Tacloban relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): PN deploys BRP Gregorio Del Pilar as command-and-control ship in Tacloban relief efforts

The Philippine Navy (PN) said on Tuesday it has deployed the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) to Tacloban City, Leyte since Nov. 17 to serve as a command-and-control ship in the ongoing relief efforts for "Yolanda" victims.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said the frigate is one of the most modern and up-to-date vessels of the PN. It used to be the USGC Hamilton (WHEC-715).

The latter ship was acquired by the Philippine government through the Excess Defense Article Act under the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act on May 13, 2011.

Fabic said that the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar was the ship which met the USS George Washington (CVN-73) and her battle group, which arrived in Philippines waters, to help in the ongoing "Yolanda" relief efforts last Nov. 14, for the traditional "meeting point ceremony."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=588325