PH Navy to deploy BRP Alcaraz for 'KAKADU' exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18): PH Navy to deploy BRP Alcaraz for 'KAKADU' exercises

KAKADU. The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) will be deployed by the Philippine Navy to join the "Kakadu" multilateral regional exercise that will take place off Darwin, Australia from August 31, 2018 to September 15, 2018. The biennial exercise is hosted by the Royal Australian Navy. (PNA photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)
 

The Philippine Navy (PN) will deploy the frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) and a 300-man contingent to participate in the multilateral regional exercise "Kakadu" that will take place off Darwin, Australia from Aug. 31 to September 15.

Navy spokesperson, Commander Jonathan Zata, said send-off ceremonies for the PN contingent will take place at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila on Monday.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz is one of the three Del Pilar-class frigates (formerly the US Coast Guard's Hamilton-class cutters) in PN service. The other two are the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17).

"KAKADU" is the 14th iteration of the multilateral naval exercise hosted biennially by the Royal Australian Navy. It is an opportunity for invited Navies to participate in multinational maritime activities that promote greater levels of military cooperation and understanding among nations, Zata added.

The Philippines’ participation in "KAKADU" began in 1999 and the PN's constant participation in multilateral exercises is also an affirmation of its commitment in collaborating with other navies to promote peace and stability in the maritime region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045262