Thread: Philippines gets 2nd major warship from US Coast Guard to challenge China

Philippines gets 2nd major warship from US Coast Guard to challenge China's island claims

Published August 06, 2013Associated Press

SUBIC, Philippines – The Philippines is adding a second major warship to its fleet to challenge China's massive territorial claims that Filipino officials say intrude in their country's potentially oil-rich seas.

President Benigno Aquino III led military and other officials Tuesday in receiving the 3,250-ton former U.S. Coast Guard cutter in ceremonies complete with a brass band and 21-cannon fire at the Subic Bay freeport.

The ship has been renamed as Philippine navy frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
A part of the former U.S. naval base northwest of Manila will soon be turned into a Philippine military hub to shift its assets closer to the disputed islands in the South China Sea.

A 3,390-ton cutter also from the U.S. Coast Guard became the Philippine navy's biggest warship in 2011.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/08...#ixzz2bDx9itXJ

Filipino fishermen in colorful fishing boats and a navy patrol gun boat welcome the arrival of "BRP Ramon Alcaraz