BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the Philippine Navy (PN)’s third Hamilton-class cutter, will greatly boost the country’s capability to conduct “territorial patrols” within the nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“FF-17 is a significant addition to the Navy’s inventory of ships in order to boost the conduct of territorial patrol missions within our EEZ,” PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA Monday, said.
BRP Andres Bonifacio is the sister ship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16), both former Hamilton-class cutters acquired through the US Excess Defense Article Program in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
“The ship can also be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, search-and-rescue at sea, and limited transport of relief goods and personnel to affected areas,” Lincuna disclosed.
Barring inclement weather, BRP Andres Bonifacio is scheduled to leave the US Coast Guard base in Alameda, California this coming Nov. 1 (American time).
“She will be at sea for 26 days, passing San Diego, California, Hawaii, and Guam for refuelling and reprovisioning,” he added.
The BRP Andres Bonifacio is formerly the USCGC Boutwell which was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the PN last July 21 (American time).
Hamilton-class cutters have a gross tonnage of 3,250 tons, a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet.
Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots and a crew of 80 officers and enlisted personnel.
The ship has cruising range of 14,000 miles and has a sea and loiter time of 45 days.
http://www.update.ph/2016/10/brp-andres-bonifacio-to-beef-up-capability-in-conducting-territorial-patrols/10628
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