2 new Naval choppers deployed near to Spratlys

MANILA, Philippines - Two recently-acquired naval helicopters were deployed Wednesday to their maiden mission to Palawan, the province nearest to the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Philippine Fleet spokesman Ltjg. Rommel Rodriguez said the AW109E helicopters would be integrated afloat with the Navy’s capital ships BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

“The helicopters will support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ operations to help protect the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty by complementing its naval operating assets in the area,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

A send-off ceremony for the two helicopters was held Wednesday at the Naval Air Group headquarters in Sangley Point Cavite.

Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Jaime Bernardino presided over the ceremony, which marked the first time helicopters are integrated afloat with Navy vessels.

Rodriguez said pilots of the naval helicopters underwent continuous training since the air assets were acquired from Italy.

"The pilots and crew have undergone rigorous training to meet an optimal condition of readiness for the air assets and are ready to undertake their mandated missions,” he added.

The pilots of the naval helicopters were identified as Lieutenant Commanders Herbert June Dang-Awan Leo Penacerada, Rowene Colita and Ariel Joseph Coloma.

The Navy is acquiring five AW 109 Power helicopters from Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland for P1.35-billion. Three of the five helicopters were commissioned last December while the other two are expected to be delivered within the year.

The official previously said the helicopters would be used for economic zone protection, surface surveillance, search and rescue and maritime security operation. – with Alvin Perez and Ronald Mendoza