Transfer of 2 more US ships to PN, to boost patrol capability missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): Transfer of 2 more US ships to PN, to boost patrol capability missions

The two American ships, which President Barack Obama pledged to transfer to the Philippine Navy (PN) Tuesday, will greatly bolster its capability for sustained maritime patrol, counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

This was stressed by PN spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in a message to the PNA Wednesday.

"The PN looks forward to the realization of the expressed intent of His Excellency, President of the USA Barack Obama, to transfer 'two additional ships' to the PN," he added.

And while they are aware that the grant will entail a process before the vessels are actually transferred to the PN, Arevalo said the would-be additional weather high endurance cutter will certainly boost the Navy's capability for sustained maritime patrol and as an additional platform for counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

The research ship, on the other hand, will enhance "our capability to conduct hydrographic survey-and-search for sunken vessels or aircraft," he added.

Obama's announcement to transfer the two ships to the PN came shortly after his visit to the Filipino frigate, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (formerly the US Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton) Tuesday.

This took place at Manila South Harbor where the Filipino warship was moored.

The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is the first ever ship transferred to the Philippines during Obama's term.

It was commissioned by the PN in December 2011.

"The United States has been committed to the security of this region for more than 70 years. We have a treaty obligation, ironclad commitment to the defense of our ally the Philippines," he said.

Obama arrived in the Philippines Tuesday for the Nov 18-19 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in Manila.

"Our visit here underscores our shared commitment to the security (of the) waters of this region and freedom of navigation," he said.

American help was demonstrated in the recent construction of a Coast Watch Center which was funded by US grants and instrumental in helping the country protect its maritime borders along with the former US cutter.

"This watch center was built with US grants. The ship that I just toured, former US coast guard vessel, helps the Philippines respond to disasters, perform counter-terrorism missions and patrol the South China Sea," Obama stressed.

In line with this, he also announced American intentions to transfer two additional ships to the Philippines.

This consists of a research vessel and another decommissioned US Coast Guard cutter.

"I can announce that we intend to transfer two additional ships to the Philippine Navy - a research vessel to help map its territorial waters and another Coast Guard cutter to bolster the Navy's ability to conduct long endurance patrols," Obama said.

He added these ships worth USD 250 million are part of their larger plan to increase maritime security assistance to their allies and partners across the Pacific Region.

"More capable navies and partnership with the United States are critical for the security of this region," Obama said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=828383