PHL to commission new Phil Navy vessel for anti-submarine warfare

                  

by Rita Salonga via RH TV

                                                   

Manila - The Philippine navy will provide a traditional arrival ceremony for the BRP Gregorio Velasquez, which is currently docked at Manila South harbor.

This afternoon, Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin will head the welcome gesture to the BRP Velasquez which was initiated and commissioned by the Philippine Navy for its service on April 27, 2016.

The BRP Velasquez is already undergoing Customs Immigration and Quarantine.

The said vessel will be used in gathering of marine scientific data that will be useful in naval operations and anti-submarine warfare capability of the Navy.

According to Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna, the BRP Velasquez arrived at the Manila Bay from the United States of America las June 2. Onboard were Commodore Edwin Nera and 50 Filipino officers and enlisted personnel.

“Aside from its primary mission, AGR-702 would also be a valuable platform in reviewing our anti-submarine warfare capability. Also, said vessel will enhance capacity and build capability to support the environmental protection efforts and exploration of the country for economic purpose.”
Capt. Lincuna added that the said vessel is the first-ever oceanographic research vessel of the country.

This is one of the two vessels promised by outgoing US President Barrack Obama to the Philippines during his visit at the APEC Summit last November, 2015.

The BRP Velasquez was named after Dr. Gregorio Velasquez, a pioneer Philippine Physiology and was recognized as a national scientist in 1982.

“Per policy, auxiliary research vessels are to be names after national scientists, hense her namesake, Dr. Gregorio Velasquez.  He was elected as academician on 1978 and conferred as National Scientist on 1982.”

Meanwhile, aside from the BRP Velasquez, the Philippine Navy also bought two helicopters, as part of its program to strengthen its anti-submarine capability.

Lincuna confirmed the said news after the signing of the contract with Agusta Westland.  The Phl Navy will be acquiring two AW-159 wildcat anti-submarine helicopters.

The two helicopters cost Php5.3 billion, cheaper by Php40million.

They will be deployed at the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Gregorio Velasquez.
The Phl Navy expects one of the two choppers to be delivered this month.
(with DZRH Florante Rosales)