BRP Alcaraz 'finally home'

MANILA, Philippines - The country's newly acquired warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) arrived in Casiguran, Aurora on Friday morning, with its crew saying they are "finally home" after a long voyage.

"After almost two months of long journey from South Carolina, we can now confidently say that BRP Alcaraz is finally home! Hurray!" t. (JG) Errol Dela Cruz said in the Alcaraz' blog.

The ship, scheduled to dock in Subic Bay on August 4, is expected to boost the Philippine Navy's maritime surveillance amid the country's territorial feud with China over the West Philippine Sea.

Its crew led commanding officer Capt. Ernesto Baldovino, however, is still looking forward to finally being on land after stopping at San Diego, California, Hawaii and Guam for refueling the past few weeks.

"Although we can’t still see any land from where we are at the moment and we are still surrounded by 360 degrees view of nothing but the sea, just the fact that we finally entered our territory is enough reason for all of us aboard to celebrate," Dela Cruz added.

The warship will be welcomed at Subic by President Benigno Aquino III.

Dela Cruz reported that crew members are also preparing for the welcoming ceremony but anticipate an incoming low pressure area that might bring strong winds.

""Everything must be in place, not only for the formalities and ceremonies that will take place upon our arrival, but also for the series of activities lined up for the ship starting tomorrow," Dela Cruz said.

"Even with a developing low pressure area that appears to be following us on our track; we are smoothly sailing with fair winds, clear skies, and following seas," he added.