Navy's 3rd Hamilton-class cutter crew gets trained on ship's system for voyage to PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 2): Navy's 3rd Hamilton-class cutter crew gets trained on ship's system for voyage to PHL

Half the crew of the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the third Hamilton-class cutter to be commissioned in Philippine Navy (PN) service, is now familiarizing themselves with the various systems of the ship to ensure a smooth voyage to the Philippines.

The vessel is currently docked in Alameda, California.

"The first half are already in Alameda, California and conducting departmental and practical training on machineries, fire control system, deck landing and training on navigational equipment for the safe operation of the ship," Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said in an interview with PNA.

BRP Andres Bonifacio, the ex-USCGC Boutwell, has a crew of 100 officers and enlisted personnel.

"The remaining crew will depart on the third week of September from the Philippines to (join their fellow crew members) in Alameda, California," Lincuna added.

The USCGC Boutwell was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the PN last July 21.

It will be the third Hamilton class cutter in Philippine Navy service after the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) were acquired in 2011 and 2013, respectively.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919397