Former R/V Melville holds distinction of cruising in all of world's oceans

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 12): Former R/V Melville holds distinction of cruising in all of world's oceans

Prior to her turnover to the Philippine Navy (PN), the BRP Gregorio Velasquez (formerly the R/V Melville) holds the distinction of having cruised in all of the world's oceans in search of scientific knowledge.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in his speech read by Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta during the arrival and welcoming ceremonies for the ship at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor, last June 10.

"The vessel can accommodate 38 scientists for purposes of scientific expeditions and holds the distinction of having cruised over almost all of the world's oceans in the pursuit of scientific knowledge," Gazmin said.p>"The Philippine Navy's acquisition of the BRP Gregorio Velasquez, the former USNS Melville, is a statement to the firm resolve and determination of our national leadership to modernize and upgrade the capabilities of our Armed Forces," he added.

BRP Gregorio Velasquez was one of the two US ships pledged by United States President Barack Obama to the PN during the APEC Leaders' Summit in Manila last November.

The other vessel is the ex-USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) which is scheduled to be delivered later this year.

"We should thank the strong support of President Aquino to pursue the AFP Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program that since July 2010 to date has caused the release of Php60.14 billion from the meager resources of our government to support the said program," Gazmin stressed.

The BRP Gregorio Velasquez will give the PN the capability for hydrographic and oceanographic survey.

"The ship will provide the PN the capability for hydrographic and oceanographic survey and will also become a platform for inter-agency collaboration partners from the academe and thus improve awareness of our sub-surface environment," PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna earlier said.

The ship can also perform search-and-retrieval operations and support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

BRP Gregorio Velasquez left Guam on June 2 and arrived in Manila Bay by 11 a.m. last June 8.

The ship left San Diego, California last April 27 after being formally transferred to the PN. It arrived in Guam last May 28.

The BRP Gregorio Velasquez is commanded by Cmdr. Edwin Nera. The ship is presently manned by 30 officers and enlisted personnel.

Aside from helping map the country's vast maritime domains, the BRP Gregorio Velasquez will also help develop the PN's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability.

"Aside from its primary mission, AGR-702 would also be a valuable platform in reviewing our anti-submarine warfare capability," he said.

Lincuna did not give specifics on this but the PN is in the process of developing its ASW capability after signing a contract to acquire two AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopters with AgustaWestland last March.

The contract is worth Php5.360 billion, lower than the stated Php5.4 billion.

These helicopters are expected to be deployed among the PN's large ships which include the two Gregorio Del Pilar-class frigates and incoming two strategic sealift vessels, of which one is expected to be delivered this month, and the BRP Gregorio Velasquez.

The R/V Melville was used in the 1976 movie King Kong starring Jessica Lange.

It was used specifically because of its Hypoid propulsion drive (at that time), which allowed it to move sideways. This type of drive is used, on research vessels, for station keeping in the ocean over drill and coring sites.

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