AIMusic

Filipino Marine Officer Graduates With Distinction At US Naval Postgraduate School
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has congratulated Major Romulo G. Dimayuga II for graduating in his program with distinction at Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, United States.
The graduation ceremony was graced by the United States Marine Corps Commandant, General David H. Berger USMC, as the guest speaker.

Major Dimayuga got the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for International Student. He was also awarded Outstanding Thesis for his thesis “Commercial-Off-the-Shelf Drone Design: A Rapid Equipage Alternative for Force Recon Companies”.

“The Naval Postgraduate School, operated by the US Navy, offers graduate studies for experienced officers from the joint services, civilians from various defense and homeland security organizations, and international students from different countries. The school focuses on global security issues vital to national security,” the Philippine Marines said.

5 years ago | [YT] | 7

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Construction Of PHL Coast Guard’s 94-Meter Patrol Ship Begins
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has said that the ceremony marking the start of construction of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) has been conducted in Japan.
“In Japan, it is a tradition to hold a prayer ceremony for safe construction of ships and to mark the beginning of vessel construction. The prayer is led by a Shinto priest who offers sacred spring and a cup of sacred sake,” JICA said.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and the Philippine government entered into agreement for construction of two 94-meter MRRVs.

The acquisition is funded through a loan provided by JICA under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Phase II.

According to Mitsubishi, “the MRRVs on order are vessels with length overall of approximately 94 meters. They also have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. Both vessels will be equipped with secured communication systems for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, helideck and a hangar for helicopter operations, an underwater remotely operated vehicle for subsurface search and survey, and high-speed rubber boats.”

Mitsubishi said the vessels will be built at Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works for completion and delivery in 2022.

5 years ago | [YT] | 31

AIMusic

Construction Of PHL Coast Guard’s 94-Meter Patrol Ship Begins
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has said that the ceremony marking the start of construction of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) has been conducted in Japan.
“In Japan, it is a tradition to hold a prayer ceremony for safe construction of ships and to mark the beginning of vessel construction. The prayer is led by a Shinto priest who offers sacred spring and a cup of sacred sake,” JICA said.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and the Philippine government entered into agreement for construction of two 94-meter MRRVs.

The acquisition is funded through a loan provided by JICA under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Phase II.

According to Mitsubishi, “the MRRVs on order are vessels with length overall of approximately 94 meters. They also have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. Both vessels will be equipped with secured communication systems for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, helideck and a hangar for helicopter operations, an underwater remotely operated vehicle for subsurface search and survey, and high-speed rubber boats.”

Mitsubishi said the vessels will be built at Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works for completion and delivery in 2022.

5 years ago | [YT] | 9

AIMusic

Construction Of PHL Coast Guard’s 94-Meter Patrol Ship Begins
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has said that the ceremony marking the start of construction of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) has been conducted in Japan.
“In Japan, it is a tradition to hold a prayer ceremony for safe construction of ships and to mark the beginning of vessel construction. The prayer is led by a Shinto priest who offers sacred spring and a cup of sacred sake,” JICA said.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and the Philippine government entered into agreement for construction of two 94-meter MRRVs.

The acquisition is funded through a loan provided by JICA under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Phase II.

According to Mitsubishi, “the MRRVs on order are vessels with length overall of approximately 94 meters. They also have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. Both vessels will be equipped with secured communication systems for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, helideck and a hangar for helicopter operations, an underwater remotely operated vehicle for subsurface search and survey, and high-speed rubber boats.”

Mitsubishi said the vessels will be built at Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works for completion and delivery in 2022.

5 years ago | [YT] | 8

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Pompeo To Help Get Back ‘Fraction’ Of 10M Vaccine Doses For PHL


State Secretary Michael Pompeo will help Manila get back a “fraction” of the 10 million doses of Pfizer vaccine, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Saturday.

“Lotsa laughs at others. But on the most serious note, I asked him (Pompeo) to help Babe (Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez) and I get back even a fraction of the 10 million doses of Pfizer after someone dropped the ball. He’ll give it his best try,” he said following a phone conversation with the American top diplomat on Friday night.

Aside from Pfizer, Locsin said Romualdez is also working to secure vaccines from American biotechnology firm Moderna.

Locsin previously disclosed that the Philippines was supposed to secure some 10 million doses of Pfizer’s vaccine as early as January 2021. The deal, however, did not push through after a certain someone “dropped the ball”.

Senator Panfilo Lacson later said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III failed to act quickly on the confidentiality disclosure agreement (CDA) with Pfizer, missing the opportunity to get an early delivery date for Manila.

Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., meanwhile, said “no bus was missed” and that “no ball was dropped” because the government is focused on its main goal to conclude the negotiation.

5 years ago | [YT] | 34

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Philippine Navy Inspection Team Thumbs Up Frigate #2
News Sourced
The Philippine Navy’s second frigate, BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), has passed the sea acceptance trials, which culminated in a series of warfare capability demonstrations on December 14 to 18, 2020 off the coast of Ulsan, South Korea.
Rear Admiral Alberto B Carlos, the head of the Navy’s Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC), declared that FF151 is compliant with the agreed technical specifications after personally witnessing the warships performance during the said sea trials. “FF151 is 95% complete at this time. All machineries and combat systems were subjected to test procedures as stipulated in the contract and were observed to be working properly. More impotantly, Im happy to announce that FF151 passed the prescribed standards and procedures,” Rear Admiral Carlos reported.

In addition, Rear Admiral Carlos said that “upon completion of this weeks SAT, the completion rating is almost 100%, which will pave the way for FF151s re-docking and final outfitting prior delivery early next year.”

Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea, FF151 is a modern naval warship capable of surface, sub-surface, air, and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long range missiles, acoustic guided torpedoes, and an embarked anti-submarine helicopter. She is expected to be delivered and turned over to the PN in February next year. The first frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), was delivered and subsequently commissioned into the PN last July 10 this year.

The HHI project manager, Mr BK Kang, said that “Hyundai is very thankful to the Navy TIAC for agreeing to travel to Korea to do the required predelivery tests, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in order for HHI to meet the contractual delivery deadline of not later than March 2021.” Rear Admiral Carlos and the rest of the PN TIAC members followed the strict ROK COVID-19 protocol with Three(3) RT-PCR tests in Seven(7) days and an “in-your-room only” quarantine for five(5) days.

Other members of the PN TIAC are Captain Raul Regis, Commander Hazel Sastrillo, Commander Roderick Gemino, Lieutenant Commander Rommel Guillermo, and Lieutenant Commander Eric Aquino, and Lieutenant Commander Eric Iglesia. NAVY.MIL.PH

5 years ago | [YT] | 36

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US, Philippine Military Partner For First Responder Training And Medical Assistance Provision In Palawan

From December 5 to 8, members of the U.S. Civilian Military Support Element – Philippines (CMSE PHL) provided medical humanitarian assistance and conducted a first responder training in El Nido, Palawan alongside Philippine partners

CMSE PHL participated in, and donated medicines to, a Medical Civic Action Program coordinated by Philippine Coast Guard District Palawan and other local partners in Sibaltan, Palawan on December 5. The program provided 410 people with medical, dental and eye consultations, medicines, reading glasses, personal hygiene and dental kits, school supplies, and sandals. The event took place in an open-air gymnasium and utilized phased entry and other COVID-19 mitigation protocols to keep participants safe.

“[Translated] We thank the Philippine Coast Guard, doctors, dentists, the U.S. Embassy representatives, and all those who assisted in the distribution of medicines, household supplies, and much more. Many thanks also for the free medical check-up for our Sibaltan residents. This is a great help to us to know the status of our health conditions and receive appropriate care during this time of pandemic,” said a Sibaltan resident.

“It was an honor to be invited to join this outreach and do our part alongside our Philippine Coast Guard friends and partners. Experiencing this level of dedication to service has been nothing short of inspirational,” said CMSE PHL Team Leader Corey Young.

From December 7 to 8, CMSE PHL conducted a training for 24 first responders from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Palawan – El Nido and Puerto Princesa Stations, Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and El Nido Emergency Medical Services.
Through scenarios tailored to focus on injuries encountered during search and rescue operations, the training expanded the medical capabilities of participants to provide care for citizens injured during emergencies or natural disasters.

“The skills, knowledge and techniques that [CMSE PHL has] imparted will be of great help to our future operations,” said Lt. April Bernal, Commander, Coast Guard Station El Nido.

“Together we created a challenging and realistic training that simulated scenarios that the participants would encounter in an emergency. I am confident that the skills learned during this event will benefit both the PCG and citizens they support in a situation where life-saving skills are needed,” said CMSE PHL Medic Zachary Shimley.

This training and medical donation exemplify the close relationship between American and Philippine friends, partners and allies in fulfilling humanitarian needs and strengthening first responder medical care provision. U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

5 years ago | [YT] | 43

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Rangers Clash Anew With Abu Sayyaf In Sulu

While conducting blocking operations, troops of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion chanced upon the fleeing terrorists earlier encountered by the rangers from the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion, the Commander of JTF Sulu said.

“The rangers were establishing blockade a few meters away from the first encounter site in Barangay Pansul, Patikul, Sulu when they encountered the fleeing enemies. A fierce firefight ensued which lasted for about 30 minutes after which the enemy withdrew bringing along their casualties with them,” said Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, JTF Sulu Commander.

The said encounter resulted in the wounding of five soldiers while casualties on the enemy side are yet to be determined. The wounded soldiers were immediately extricated from the area and evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical attention.

“We are certain that the ASG incurred numerous casualties as evidenced in the bloodstains that scampered in the encounter site,” said Lt. Col. Felicito Cutit, Commander of the 3SRB.

While scouring the area, the operating troops recovered a 5.56mm linked ammunition, one 5.56mm magazine, and enemy personal belongings.

1101st Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Antonio Bautista said that the battle casualties are now in stable condition.

“We pray for their speedy recovery and we commend them for their gallantry,” Col. Bautista said.

Blocking and pursuit operations are continuously being conducted.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the troops of the JTF Sulu for remaining steadfast in ending terrorism in their area of responsibility.

“We are utilizing all our capabilities to sustain the peace in our area of operation during this yuletide season. We are closely monitoring the enemies to prevent them from creating havoc in the peaceful communities,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said

5 years ago | [YT] | 40

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Navy Decommissions, Deactivates Legacy Ships And Aircraft
News Sourced
The Philippine Navy through the Philippine Fleet decommissioned BRP Lake Caliraya (AO81), BRP Bonny Serrano (PC111), Navy Helicopter 423 and deactivated 16 Patrol Boats namely: PB321, PB350, PB323, PB348, PB349, PB352, PB340, PB343, PB333, PB336, PB322, PB351, PB317, PB320, PB354 and PB341 after years of their honorable service to our maritime nation at Captain Salvo Pier, Naval Base Heracleo Alano in a joint ceremony presided by the Flag Officer In Command, PN, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo PN with the Commander, Philippine Fleet, Rear Adm. Loumer P Bernabe PN today, December 17, 2020.
The ceremony was attended by the Philippine Fleet Command team, HPN Staff, and former skippers and pilots of the vessels and aircraft.

The decommissioning of legacy ships and aircraft will pave way for the arrival of new platforms as part of the PN’s Phase In, Phase Out Program. This is in support to the PN’s capability and development program aimed towards the acquisition of modern platforms with state of the art equipment and combat management systems.

In his message, the Commander, Philippine Fleet expressed his gratitude and utmost respect to the officers and crew of these legacy vessels and aircraft. “During the service of these vessels and aircraft, they had encountered circumstances that had challenged their capabilities, various weather conditions and limitations, and different derangements incurred. But through the concerted efforts of the officers and crew of the respective vessels and aircraft, they had successfully accomplished each and every mission. They had even participated in various naval exercises, and had received numerous awards and recognitions,” Rear Adm. Bernabe said.

The decommissioning of these vessels and aircraft will serve as the initial way going to a modernizing Navy. It is the primary key in becoming a strong and credible organization that will fulfill our mandate in protecting the people, upholding our sovereignty and preserving our territorial integrity.

The Philippine Fleet and the Philippine Navy will continually remember all the success and contributions of these vessels and aircraft. The achievements they had brought to the Philippine Navy, country and to our people will always be upheld and remembered by those who once served aboard and most especially by those who benefited from these lengthy services.

In the FOIC, PN’s message, “The Philippine Navy is compelled and ready to proceed to the next stages of our modernization process. And to me, in as much as we are modernizing our naval assets and weaponries, modernizing the Navy personnel’s mindsets is an important professional obligation. We need to be able to imbibe a new and better normal way of thinking within the Philippine Navy. And to be able to do this, we must learn to let go of these aging vessels and aircraft. One by one, little by little, we will strip ourselves with the old cloak that made us feel comfortable with performing with the bare minimum. With the closure of these old platforms comes new and better-equipped platforms. ” Vice Adm. Bacordo said.

This activity was conducted under the new normal situation with strict adherence to health and biosafety protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19. PHILIPPINE FLEET

5 years ago | [YT] | 29

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US B-1 Lancer Trains With F-22s In South China Sea
News Sourced
A B-1B Lancer launched from Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, to conduct a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission in the Indo-Pacific, Dec. 10, 2020.

The 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota sent one bomber from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) to conduct rapid response training with two F-22 Raptors from the 94th Fighter Squadron (FS), 1st Fighter Wing, located at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

“This mission gave us the opportunity to integrate with the B-1s and several agencies across the U.S. Air Force to test the alert posture and readiness of Andersen AFB against symmetric and asymmetric threats,” said the F-22 mission commander. “It was a unique experience to be able to launch F-22s at a moment’s notice to intercept simulated air threats and hone our skills.”

Prior to integrating with the 94th FS, the B-1 Lancer traveled to the South China Sea to conduct stand-off weapons training with the goal of improving coordination with command and control elements.

“One of the benefits of Bomber Task Force deployments is the ability to integrate with other assets,” said Lt. Col. Lincoln Coleman, 37th EBS commander. “The ability to work alongside the 94 FS was a unique experience for our aircrew and provided a rare training opportunity.”

The Indo-Pacific region serves as the priority theater for the Department of Defense. BTF missions provide units the opportunity to challenge and train members to adapt to new environments and become familiar with the geographic area.

“These missions display our resolve, as well as commitment to Allies in the region,” said Coleman. “They also demonstrate the ability of Bomber Task Forces to operate across the globe.”

The U.S. remains committed to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, and will continue to seek out ways to train and improve readiness with both fighter and bomber operations.

5 years ago | [YT] | 26