Navy commissions newly-acquired research vessel

Research Vessel (R/V) Melville, a US Navy vessel, was formally turned-over to the Philippines Friday in a ceremony in San Diego, California.

The research ship, owned by the US Office of Naval Research and operated by Scripps Institute of Oceanography, was named for George Melville, an explorer and US Navy rear admiral.

After it's handover to the Philippine Navy, the ship was renamed BRP Gregorio Velasquez and was assigned the bow number AGR-702.

Dr. Gregorio Velasquez, a pioneer in Philippine physiology, was declared a National Scientist in 1982. 

The 279-foot vessel was received by Commo. Narciso Vingson Jr., deputy commander of the Philippine Navy's Philippine Fleet, and former navy flag officer in command Jesus Millan who represented Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

The BRP Gregorio Velasquez is the Philippine Navy's first oceanographic research vessel.

The research ship is one of the two ships pledged by US President Barack Obama during his visit to the country last November.

"The Philippines is and will remain a vital strategic ally in the region for the foreseeable future, and I am proud to play a part in that relationship," said Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander of the US Third Fleet. 

"Today, we not only transfer a platform that will enhance the Philippines' environmental research and law enforcement capabilities but will also contribute to the security and stability of the region."

A statement from the Philippine Navy said, "The research vessel will not only provide us capability for hydrographic survey, it will also become a platform for interagency collaboration for partners in the academe and thus improve awareness of our sub-surface environment. Aside from its primary mission, AGR-702 would also be a valuable platform in reviewing our Anti-submarine Warfare Capability. This acquisition also aims to address the issues in terms of marine scientific researches/surveys and to gather marine scientific data beneficial to naval operations. Also, said vessel will enhance capacity and build capability to support the environmental protection efforts and exploration of the country for economic purposes," the navy said in a statement. — APG, GMA News