Navy’s efforts of developing a robust island defense force reach momentous headway

From Ang Malaya (Aug 12): Navy’s efforts of developing a robust island defense force reach momentous headway

“The Philippine Navy’s continuing efforts of developing a robust island defense force and becoming an effective instrument of national development reached a momentous headway as it christened two newly-acquired Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels and blessed two armed Agusta Westland (AW) 109 helicopters on a joint ceremony,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement today.

The helicopters are armed with machinegun pods and rocket launchers.
The said ceremony was conducted August 10. Former PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan led the said event.

The new Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad vows to remain focused on “Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy” started by his predecessors. The strategy aims to enhance maritime situational awareness capabilities and operations of the Navy.

“It is worth noting that we have already established the direction of our organization as contained in our Philippine Navy Sail Plan and Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy. This is because of the efforts of my predecessors. I intend to stay focused in this direction and I would like to highlight the advocacies of those who led ahead of me,” Rear Admiral Taccad said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/08/12/12691-navys-efforts-of-developing-a-robust-island-defense-force-reach-momentous-headway