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BRP Ramon Alcaraz leaves drydock, a step closer to commissioning


The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the Philippine Navy's second Hamilton-class cutter, is one step closer to being formally commissioned after it left drydock and is now "waterborne."

Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said they are looking at November as a possible date for the vessel's commissioning.

"BRP Ramon Alcaraz is already waterborne with some minor work and finalization phases," Fabic said, in an interview with state-run Philippines News Agency.

The minor work may be completed before the first week of November.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz went into dry-dock at the Keppel Shipyard in Batangas last Aug. 16, after arriving in the Philippines Aug. 6.

Fabic said the Navy is coordinating with the Presidential Management Staff for the availability of the commander-in-chief, President Benigno Aquino III, for the commissioning.

The PNA report cited earlier information which said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz will be fitted with two Mark 38 Model 2 25-mm "Bushmasters" autocannons.

It may also be equipped with four to six light machine guns. The vessel presently has a quick-firing 76-mm Oto Melara main gun. — DVM, GMA News

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