Australia turns over 2 landing craft vessels to PHL

The Australian government on Thursday turned over two Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels in a donation to the Philippines.

The Philippine Navy said the ceremony was followed by the commissioning and immediate deployment of the vessels and its new crew to the Philippines.

PN Vice Admiral Jesus Millan who signed the memorandum of agreement for the Philippines thanked the Australian government and said the donation will boost the maritime capabilities of the Philippine fleet.


^{Photo via Philippine Navy}

Millan specifically said the LCH vessels will be used to transport troops and equipment, and also to assist in humanitarian and disaster relief activities in the region.

The two LCH vessels were decommissioned by the Australian Navy in November 2014. This was followed by the Australian government's announcement of their donation to the Philippines.

The vessels are expected to arrive in the country in August. -NB, GMA News