BRP RAMON ALCARAZ. DFA PHOTO
The Philippines’ second warship, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, arrived safely Saturday morning at the Guam Naval Base from Pearl Harbor in Hawaii after 10 days of sailing in the Pacific Ocean, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a news release.
The newly acquired Hamilton-class cutter of the Philippine Navy will be docked at the naval base from July 27 to 28 for refueling and restocking, and is scheduled to depart for Manila at 4 p.m. today, July 28.
The DFA did not say when the warship will arrive in the Philippines.
BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a 115-meter decommissioned US Coast Guard ship that the Philippines acquired last year, was acquired amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The warship, which underwent $15.5-million (P620-million) refitting and refurbishment and sea trials in May, is expected to boost capabilities of the Philippine Navy in patrolling the country's waters.
The weather high-endurance cutter had served as the US Coast Guard’s USCGC Dallas for four decades before it was turned over to the Philippine Navy under the Excess Defense Article Military Assistance Program of the United States.
The crew of BRP Alcaraz effectively maneuvered to bring the ship to the dockside of Pier “X-ray” at exactly 9 a.m. to the delight and excitement of the waiting crowd, the DFA said.
As soon as the ship was properly berthed, BRP Alcaraz’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Ernesto O. Baldovino, together with the other officers and crew, alighted and made a formation at the pier’s side to meet the welcoming crowd.
The 88 officers and crew of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz were warmly greeted by the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Guam led by Consul General Bayani V. Mangibin, Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) president Roy S. Adonay, and other members of the Filipino-American community.
Also present to meet Capt. Baldovino and his crew were Vice Speaker Benjamin J. F. Cruz and Senator Tina Rose Muna Barnes, Legislative Secretary/Majority Whip, of the 32nd Guam Legislature, Capt. John Ward, Commander of the Naval Base Guam, Col. David B. Riano, and Capt. Kenneth Ola of the Guam National Guard.
Senator Barnes expressed the warm Hafa Adai greetings on behalf of the government of Guam, and presented Captain Baldovino a Certificate of Appreciation from the 32nd Guam Legislature sponsored by Senator Dennis Rodriguez Jr.
After the short welcome ceremonies, Capt. Baldovino invited Consul General Mangibin and the other officials to board the BRP Alcaraz for a short briefing at the war room and a tour of the ship.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67364/phs-second-warship-now-in-guam---dfa
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