Navy welcomes future BRP Antonio Luna in Philippine waters

The Philippine Navy welcomed its second missile-capable frigate, the future BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), as it sailed near Zambales' Capones Island on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Naval Public Affairs Office said the frigate entered Philippine waters on Sunday near the Batanes' Mavulis Island after a successful maiden voyage from Ulsan, South Korea.

The warship will be christened the BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) once commissioned to service.

A Department of National Defense and Philippine Navy joint inspection team accepted the vessel for delivery to the Philippines.

“Frigate Antonio Luna will complete the PN Frigate Acquisition Project that fulfills the PN’s thrust of having modern platforms and systems that provide opportunities for its personnel to develop modern mindsets and propel the whole organization into becoming a multi-capable naval force responsive to our maritime nation’s defense and development,” said the Navy.

According to the Navy, the warship will sail in formation with frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) through Manila Bay before proceeding to its anchorage in Subic, Zambales.

The welcome was not only a maritime tradition that commemorated FF151's arrival in Philippine territory. It was also an opportunity for its crew to extend and maximize their training and systems familiarization before independent ship operations.

FF151’s sister ship, the Jose Rizal, rendered the customary meeting procedure and passing exercise, as well as its first maneuvering exercise.

An AW109 naval helicopter also flew over the ship during the welcome, even as three FA-50 Philippine Air Force jets were also present during the procedure. — DVM, GMA News