MARITIME DEFENSE // 3rd Hamilton-Class Cutter to Boost Sea Defense

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 22): MARITIME DEFENSE // 3rd Hamilton-Class Cutter to Boost Sea Defense

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The 3^rd Hamilton-class Cutter pledged by US President Barack Obama to the Philippine Navy (PN) during his visit recently will give a needed boost to the AFPs Modernization Program.

US Coast Guard Cutter Bouthwell (WHEC 719)

According to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, the the transfer of the US Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell will entail minimal cost as the PN will only pay for crew training and the fuel needed to transfer the ship to the country and in the process we will be operating three units of Hamilton-class cutters — including the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16).

These ships are the high-endurance US Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell (WHEC 719) and research vessel, R/V Melville which will provide the Philippines the ability to maintain greater maritime presence and patrols throughout its EEZ and support naval research and law enforcement capabilities.

RV Melville
US Research Vessel

The Philippines remains the largest recipient of maritime security assistance, and will receive a record USD79 million in bilateral assistance of the FY 2015 funds allocated for developing Southeast Asian maritime capabilities which is focused on building the training and logistical base for expanding the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Forces’ ability to conduct operations within waters off the Philippines’ coasts.

The US also vowed to continue to support the National Coast Watch System and assist the Philippines through the Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF), building capacity in Philippine maritime vessel maintenance, training, law enforcement support, and intelligence assistance to expand the country’s ability to detect, track, and interdict where necessary criminal and terrorist elements involved in the smuggling of sensitive items and illicit goods. DND / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/maritime-defense-3rd-hamilton-class-cutter-to-boost-sea-defense/