Navy's largest ship now serves as command-and-control vessel in Sulu sea denial mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Navy's largest ship now serves as command-and-control vessel in Sulu sea denial mission

The BRP Tarlac (LD-601), the Philippine Navy (PN)'s largest ship, is now serving as the command-and-control vessel in the ongoing sea denial operations being conducted off Sulu waters as part of government efforts to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) threat.

"(BRP Tarlac) is now serving in Sulu as command-and-control vessel for (ongoing sea denial) missions," PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA Friday said.

The government offensive in Sulu started last Aug.25, shortly after the bandits beheaded 18-year-old Patrick Almodavar after the latter's family failed to pay the PHP1 million ransom.

Around 32 terrorists were killed in the ongoing operations with 15 soldiers slain in the series of clashes with the ASG.

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=921609