With the turnover and commissioning of two
Australian-donated landing craft heavy (LCHs) at Cairns , Australia
This was revealed Thursday by PN flag-officer-in-charge Vice
Admiral Jesus C. Millan.
"The two LCHs will certainly boost the capability of
the PN to transport personnel, equipment and aid during humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief operations," he added.
Millan was present during the turnover and commissioning of
the two LCHs in Cairns , Australia
The two ships were named BRP Ivatan (AT-298) and BRP Batak
(AT-299).
They will be joining the five other landing craft units in
PN service.
"The vessels will also be useful in transporting troops
from one operational area to another," the PN chief said.
Prior to the turnover and commissioning, Millan and Royal
Australian Navy head Vice Admiral Tim Barret signed a memorandum of agreement
regarding the transfer of the LCHs.
The signing was witnessed by Philippine Fleet commander Rear
Admiral Leopoldo M. Alano and Sealift Amphibious Force head Commodore Narciso
A. Vingson.
The Australian government announced the donation of the two
LCHs last January following its decommissioning on November 2014.
The two donated LCHs are formerly named the HMAS Tarakan and
HMAS Brunei.
The PN earlier sent the designated sailing crew for
familiarization and training which include deck seamanship, ship handling,
navigation as well as shipboard procedures and proper operations of machineries
and other equipments on board the vessels.
The turn-over ceremony was followed by the commissioning and
subsequent send-off of the two vessels and its crew for a voyage to the Philippines
The vessels are expected to arrive in the country on the
first week of August.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=785551
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