PHL's newest, biggest naval vessel now on its maiden mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): PHL's newest, biggest naval vessel now on its maiden mission

The Philippine Navy (PN)'s largest and newest vessel, the 7,300 gross ton BRP Tarlac (LD-601), is now currently deployed on its maiden mission.

"She (BRP Tarlac) is now deployed to (her) operational area," PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said to the PNA without giving specifics for security reasons.

He added that the BRP Tarlac is also currently being escorted while conducting this mission.

"She is mission capable (and) escorted by (other PN surface units) as per doctrine while on the said deployment. I can't divulged any other information (because) it has security implications," Lincuna said when pressed further.

Incidentally, the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration on Tuesday issued a ruling which favored the Philippines’ arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea territorial row.

The ruling also invalidated China's claim over its "historic rights" to the disputed waters, stressing that its 'Nine-Dash-Line' claim has no legal basis and that it violated the Philippines' sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone through meddling with Philippine fishing and oil exploration in the region, allowing the illegal entry of Chinese fishermen into the disputed waters and causing harm to marine environment in the region through its massive reclamation activities.

BRP Tarlac was commissioned during short ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last June 1.

She arrived in the Philippines last May 14 after a five-day journey from PT PAL (Persero)'s shipyard in Surabaya which started on May 9.

The Philippines has a two SSV order with the Indonesian shipbuilder worth PHP3.8 billion.

She was formally presented to the public at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last May 16.

BRP Tarlac was assigned to the Philippine Fleet's Sealift Amphibious Force.

The ship has an overall length of 120 meters,breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

She has a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

Her sister-ship is expected to be delivered by May 2017. The ship has a complement of 121 officers and enlisted personnel.

She can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903446