Navy gets 7 brand-new watercraft from US

The navy received seven brand new utility boats and two Boston Whalers donated by the US government, to be distributed to its operational units to boost capabilities in guarding the country’s waters from various security threats.

US envoy to the Philippines Kristie Kenney turned over the utility boats to navy chief Vice Adm. Rogelio Calunsag in a ceremony at Fort Abad along Roxas Blvd. in Manila yesterday.

The boats were donated by the US government as part of the Presidential Drawdown Authority program to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Capability Upgrade Program.

Calunsag said Col. Mathias Velasco, chief of the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG), spearheaded the acquisition of the watercraft.

“These latest addition to the Navy’s inventory of assets is a major leap in its capability upgrade program since procuring new floating assets has been the greatest challenge facing its leadership today because of budgetary constraints that has held back its next procurement until 2017. Meanwhile, the Navy has no other alternative than to explore unconventional means of acquiring new assets,” said Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan, navy spokesman.

Calunsag said that the boats would be deployed to the Philippine Fleet, the Inshore Boat Battalion of the Philippine Marine Corps, Naval Forces Central, Naval Forces West, Naval Base Cavite and the Naval Sea Systems Command.

The boats, according to information given by the navy, are designed for general purpose – personnel transport, utility operations and supply transport. They are made of durable fiberglass that can accommodate 40 to 45 personnel on board.

Each boat is 33 x 10 feet with high-speed capability, with a loaded cruise speed of 13 knots and a single propulsion system powered by Cummins Marine Diesel engine. Its efficient and low fuel consumption makes the NUB a popular transport utility used by the US Navy, with a consumption rate of 2.5 nautical miles per gallon at cruising speed.

During stealth operations, the NUB has a naturally quiet aspirated engine that can evade enemy detection. Its relatively wide-beam hull provides a high degree of stability, ensuring ease of operation and maximum safety under adverse conditions, as well as comfort. A portable fabric canopy, with anodized aluminum bows, is also installed for protection against the elements.