Navy vessel Del Pilar ready for deployment

MANILA, Philippines — After undergoing repair and rehabilitation for more than four years, the Philippine Navy (PN)’s BRP Gregorio del Pilar is now ready for deployment in the West Philippine Sea.

The Del Pilar, one of PN’s largest vessels, underwent repair and upgrade in Subic to restore its seaworthiness, according to Commodore Benjo Negranza, chief of the Navy’s public affairs office.

“Her propulsion system was successfully restored in August and it performed a series of sea trials and endurance test with satisfactory results,” Negranza announced yesterday.

“System upgrades were also undertaken, enhancing her capability for maritime domain awareness. It’s now ready for deployment,” he added.

An operational readiness evaluation was conducted on the Del Pilar by the Fleet Operation Readiness Training and Evaluation Group from Sept. 12 to 16.

The vessel passed all the tests, Negranza said.

“She upgraded her operational readiness to Ready-for-Sea status and is now underway to her designated area of operations,” Negranza said.

The vessel ran aground as it was conducting patrol mission near Hasa Hasa Shoal located in the waters off Palawan four years ago.

Acquired by the Philippines from the United States in 2011, the Del Pilar is PN’s a flagship vessel for maritime operations.