Navy's littoral combat capability gets boost with ex-US patrol vessels
Littoral refers to the areas near shores or a coastal region.
MANILA – The commissioning of two former United States (US) Navy Cyclone-class patrol vessels would greatly enhance the capability of the Philippine Navy (PN) to conduct littoral and coastal patrol capabilities.
Speaking at the christening and commissioning rites for BRP Valentin Diaz (PS-177) and the BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178) at the Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the two Alvarez-class patrol ships are welcome additions to the PN's littoral fleet in order to “pursue a more robust position in defending our sovereign rights in the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and other jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines.”
"This is a task I have given to (Armed Forces of the Philippines) General Headquarters, aligned with past pronouncements that we have to revision and rehorizon our strategic thoughts from strategic principles, defense planning guidance to our modernization to our strategic basing in order for us to be more responsive to the challenges of the times," Teodoro said.
The DND chief said the Philippines is thankful for the continuing cooperation and collaboration with the United States as its treaty partner.
"And in this we are grateful for the support of the United States and all our allies and like-minded nations because the paradigm here is not for anything else but to preserve a rules-based international order, to preserve the primacy of international law in setting maritime boundaries and in settling disputes," he added.
Meanwhile, PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said the two ships represent the "commitment of the United States to help enhance our capabilities for maritime operations."
He said the Alvarez-class patrol vessels are formidable assets in the PN's maritime arsenal due to their "speed and reliability" which can allow the Navy to swiftly respond to emergencies in "littoral battle spaces, particularly (in) low-intensity conflict environment."
"As the newest additions to our fleet, they will enhance the Navy's capacity to defend our maritime nation's interest and bolster our adaptability addressing various security challenges, from piracy and illicit activities to disaster response and maritime law enforcement. These patrol vessels are essential in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment," Adaci noted.
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