The two landing craft heavies (LCH), which arrived from Australia last Aug. 7 in Sangley Point, Cavite
Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Leopoldo Alano, in a
statement on Sunday, said the two Australian-donated LCHs are "extremely
versatile vessels, capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and
equipment."
"These new assets will be vital in facilitating and
sustaining Fleet-Marine operations and will bolster the PN's amphibious and
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities," Alano
emphasized.
The LCHs, which are named the BRP Ivatan (AT-298) and BRP
Batak (AT-299), are commanded by Cmdr. Joselito E. De Guzman and Lt. Ariel D.
Constantino, respectively.
The LCHs left Cairns , Australia for their voyage to the Philippines
The ships entered Philippine waters, specifically off
Zamboanga, last Aug. 5.
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 flag-officer-in-command Vice
Admiral Jesus C. Millan disclosed.
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 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 in November 2014.
The two donated LCHs are formerly named the HMAS Tarakan and
HMAS Brunei.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791282
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