PN conducts arrival rites to welcome its 2 landing crafts from Australia

The Philippine Navy on Saturday conducted an arrival ceremony for the two Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels donated by Australia.

In a news release, the PN said the welcome ceremony was done at the Capt. Salvo Pier, Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Cavite City.


^{Photo taken during send-off rites in Australia (PN)}

Also, it said the event was led by Vice Adm. Jesus C. Millan, PN's Flag Officer In Command, with Adm. Leopoldo M. Alano, commander of the Philippine Fleet.

Commodore Narciso A. Vingson, the commander of Sealift Amphibious Force; Australian dignitaries; and other members of the command team also joined the PN in welcoming these vessels with more or less 34 PN personnel on board.

The LCHs—which will soo be commissioned as the BRP IVATAN(AT298) skippered by Cdr. Joselito De Guzman and BRP BATAK(AT 299) by Lt. Ariel D Constantino—are expected to boost the capability of the PN to transport personnel, equipment and aid during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Rear Adm. Alano in his welcome remarks said, "The capability we are very proud to welcome today is described as extremely versatile vessels, capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment."

Late in July, the Australian government turned over the two LCHs as a donation to the PN.

Millan signed the memorandum of agreement for the Philippines and the ships started their voyage to the Philippines in the last week of July. — LBG, GMA News