Noy welcomes Navy’s latest warship

SUBIC FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines – President Aquino welcomed yesterday the latest major warship of the Philippine Navy that would strengthen patrol operations and defend territorial waters amid maritime disputes with China and other countries.

Officials celebrated the arrival here of the 3,250-ton Hamilton Class frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a former US Coast Guard cutter acquired under a US-Philippine military assistance program, that sailed for two months from South Carolina.

The President said the ship would boost the country’s capability to patrol its waters and resist threats.

In his speech, Aquino said that more than just the vessel, it was named after World War II hero Ramon Alcaraz who should ignite further heroism among Filipino soldiers in defending Philippine territory.

He challenged the military to get inspiration from Alcaraz, who fought against the Japanese forces during World War II despite the lack of sophisticated military equipment.

He said the Navy and other soldiers who would step into the ship should be able to live by the courage and responsibility of then commodore Alcaraz and other Filipinos who did not hesitate to offer blood and sweat for their fellowmen and the flag.

The President asked them to think about Alcaraz, who fought the Japanese forces when he was only on board a boat made of wood.

Aquino said Alcaraz managed to take down three of the nine Japanese airplanes before he was captured.

“Meaning, at a disadvantage in equipment, at a disadvantage in the situation, at a disadvantage in training but he did not waver before the enemy,” Aquino said.

The President said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz would augment another frigate, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, in the long-term, for wider and faster patrol of the country’s shores to thwart threats and bad elements, respond to search and rescue operations and protect maritime resources.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar, also a former US Coast Guard cutter, was acquired in 2011.  â€“ With Alexis Romero, Bebot Sison Jr., AP