Navy expects delivery of 3 new helicopters in December

FORT SAN FELIPE, Cavite, Philippines – The Navy is expected to receive in December three new helicopters that are seen to boost its maritime security capabilities.

The second Hamilton-class cutter acquired by the Philippines, on the other hand, began its sea trials in preparation for its journey to the Philippines next month.

The Philippine embassy in Washington said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) of the Philippine Navy left at 8:30 a.m. Monday from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in North Charleston, South Carolina, where it has been undergoing refurbishment since it was turned over to the Philippines last year.

Navy Capt. Elson Aguilar, Defense and Naval Attaché of the embassy, said the Alcaraz would stay out at sea for three days to test its propulsion and other systems before returning to port on Thursday.

“We want to make sure everything is in place before the Alcaraz finally sets sail for the Philippines before the middle of next month,” Aguilar said.

On the other hand, Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano said the three helicopters to be delivered in December would constitute the first batch of air assets to be delivered by the supplier AugustaWestland S.P.A.

The government is acquiring a total of five AW 109 Power helicopters from the Anglo-Italian firm for P1.3 billion.

“We are looking at the acquisition of naval helicopters. The initial batch will be arriving by December this year,” Alano said on the sidelines of the Navy’s anniversary celebration here yesterday.

“The helicopters (were acquired through) the proper procurement process,” he added.

In its website, AugustaWestland described the AW 109 as “a versatile aircraft that offers the highest level of benefits for government and military markets, combining optimum performance with cost-effectiveness.”

The helicopters can be used for maritime security, search and rescue and surface surveillance, among other operations.

The government and AugustaWestland signed the contract for the acquisition of the helicopters last December.

The cutter Alcaraz, on the other hand, has been undergoing refurbishment since it was acquired by the Philippines in May 2012.

The 14 officers and 74 crew of Alcaraz led by Capt. Ernesto Baldovino have also been undergoing training since the turnover last year.

The 378-foot Alcaraz was commissioned in 1968 and served with the US Coast Guard as the USCGC Dallas until it was decommissioned and turned over to the Philippines in May.

The cutter is being refurbished and refitted at a cost of $15.15 million.

Alano said the acquisition of Alcaraz would provide them with the added capability to enforce Philippine maritime laws.

Officials previously expected the ship to arrive last January but the schedule was pushed back due to the need for repairs and personnel training. The government spent more than P600 million to acquire the vessel. – With Pia Lee-Brago, Ding Cervantes