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m Llammakey moved page BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) to BRP Ramon Alcaraz: per WP:NC-SHIPS, no other ship of name, no need for disambiguation
 
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{{Short description|Philippine Navy patrol ship}}
{{Short description|Philippine Navy patrol ship}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = BRP RAMON ALCARAZ.jpg
| Ship image = BRP RAMON ALCARAZ.jpg
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| Ship status = In active service
| Ship status = In active service
| Ship notes =
| Ship notes =
| Ship badge =
| Ship badge = [[File:BRP Ramon Alcaraz Badge.png|150px]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header =
| Hide header =
| Header caption =
| Header caption =
| Ship class = [[Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel|''Gregorio del Pilar''-class]] [[offshore patrol vessel]]
| Ship class = [[Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel|''Gregorio del Pilar''-class]] [[patrol ship]]
| Ship displacement = 3,250 tons
| Ship displacement = 3,250 tons
| Ship length = 378 ft (115.2 m)
| Ship length = 378 ft (115.2 m)
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* 2 × [[Pratt & Whitney GG4|Pratt & Whittney FT4A-6]] [[gas turbine]]s, each producing {{convert|18,000|shp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}<ref name=Janes0405>Saunders, Stephen: ''Jane's Fighting Ships 107th Edition 2004–2005''. Jane's Information Group Ltd, 2004.</ref>
* 2 × [[Pratt & Whitney GG4|Pratt & Whittney FT4A-6]] [[gas turbine]]s, each producing {{convert|18,000|shp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}<ref name=Janes0405>Saunders, Stephen: ''Jane's Fighting Ships 107th Edition 2004–2005''. Jane's Information Group Ltd, 2004.</ref>
| Ship sail plan =
| Ship sail plan =
| Ship speed = 29 kn (53.7 km/h; 33.4 mph)
| Ship speed = 29 kn (53.7 km/h; 33.4 mph) '''via twin gas-turbines'''<ref name="Gsorg"/>
| Ship range = 14000 nmi (25928 km)
| Ship range = 12,500 nmi (23,200 km; 14,400 mi) @ 12 kn (22 kph; 14 mph)<ref name="Gsorg"/> '''via diesel'''
| Ship endurance = 45 days
| Ship endurance = 45 days
| Ship test depth =
| Ship test depth =
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| Ship complement = 80
| Ship complement = 80
| Ship time to activate =
| Ship time to activate =
| Ship sensors = *'''CMS''':<br>[[Hanwha Systems|Naval Shield Baseline 2]] integrated combat management system ''(to be installed or undergoing installation)''
| Ship sensors = *'''CMS''':<br>[[Hanwha Systems|Naval Shield Baseline 2]] integrated combat management system
*'''Main radar''': <br>[[Giraffe radar#Variants|SeaGIRAFFE AMB]] {{small|''(USN designation: AN/SPS-77)''}} multi-role 3D air-&-surface search-&-track naval radar
*'''Main radar''': <br>[[Giraffe radar#Variants|SeaGIRAFFE AMB]] {{small|''(USN designation: AN/SPS-77)''}} multi-role 3D air-&-surface search-&-track naval radar
*'''Secondary radars''':<br> [[Kelvin Hughes|SharpEye™ Mk.2]] ''X-band (25kW)'' & ''S-band (200W)'' solid-state pulse-Doppler navigation & surface-search radars
*'''Secondary radars''':<br> [[Kelvin Hughes|SharpEye Mk.2]] ''X-band (25kW)'' & ''S-band (200W)'' solid-state pulse-Doppler navigation & surface-search radars
*'''FCS''':<br>[[Mk 92 Guided Missile Fire Control System|USN Mk.92 Mod.1]] fire-control system<ref name=Janes0405/> by Sperry
*'''Fire Control''':<br>[[Mk 92 Guided Missile Fire Control System|USN Mk.92 Mod.1]] fire-control system<ref name=Janes0405/> by Sperry
*'''EOIR sensors''':<br> [https://www.flir.asia/products/seaflir-230 SeaFLIR® 230] electro-optical & infrared search-&-track system
*'''Optronic sensors''':<br> [https://www.flir.asia/products/seaflir-230 SeaFLIR 230] color TV camera, low-light camera, thermal imager, LRF, laser pointer, NVIS
*'''Sonar''':<br>[[Elac|ELAC Hunter 2.0]] hull-mounted sonar ''(to be installed or undergoing installation)''
*'''Sonar''':<br>[[Elac|ELAC Hunter 2.0]] underkeel dome sonar
| Ship EW = *2 × [[Mark 36 SRBOC]] ''(Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Countermeasures)'' mortar-type countermeasures launching system by [[BAE Systems Platforms & Services|BAE Systems]]
| Ship EW = *2 × [[BAE Systems Platforms & Services|BAE Systems']] [[Mark 36 SRBOC]] ''(Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Countermeasures)'' mortar-type countermeasures dispensing system
*RESM: [[Elbit Systems]]' [[Elisra|NS9003A]] (expected)
*RESM: ''(to be installed or undergoing installation)''
| Ship armament = * 1 × [[OTO Melara 76 mm|Oto-Melara 76/62C ''C''ompatto/''C''ompact]] DP autocannon on a USN Mk.75 mount<ref name="Navy ship to get new weapons systems"/>
| Ship armament = * 1 × [[OTO Melara 76 mm|Oto-Melara 76/62C ''C''ompatto/''C''ompact]] DP autocannon on a USN Mk.75 mount<ref name="Navy ship to get new weapons systems"/>
* 2 × [[M242 Bushmaster|USN Mk.38 Mod.2]] 25mm autocannons<ref name="mk38">{{cite web |url=http://maxdefense.blogspot.com/2015/01/finally-philippine-navys-brp-ramon.html |title=Finally, the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz got its Mk.38 Mod.2 Guns |date=2015-01-25 |access-date=2015-01-26}}</ref>
* 2 × [[M242 Bushmaster|USN Mk.38 Mod.2]] 25mm autocannons<ref name="mk38">{{cite web |url=http://maxdefense.blogspot.com/2015/01/finally-philippine-navys-brp-ramon.html |title=Finally, the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz got its Mk.38 Mod.2 Guns |date=2015-01-25 |access-date=2015-01-26}}</ref> (amidships: port and starboard)
* 4 × [[M2 Browning]] 12.7mm (50caliber) heavy machine guns<ref name="Navy ship to get new weapons systems">{{cite news| url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/10/29/861346/navy-ship-get-new-weapons-systems |title=Navy ship to get new weapons systems |publisher=philstar.com |date=2012-10-29 |access-date=2014-06-16}}</ref>
* 6 x [[M2 Browning]] 12.7mm (50caliber) heavy machine guns<ref name="Navy ship to get new weapons systems">{{cite news| url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/10/29/861346/navy-ship-get-new-weapons-systems |title=Navy ship to get new weapons systems |publisher=philstar.com |date=2012-10-29 |access-date=2014-06-16}}</ref>
| Ship armor = *[[CBRNE]] defense system<ref name=CBRNE_defense>{{cite news |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095084 | title=BRP Jose Rizal crew protected from chemical, nuclear attack |website=pna.gov.ph|date=28 February 2020 |quote=This ability is also present in the 3 Del Pilar-class}}</ref>
| Ship armor = [[CBRNE]] defense system<ref name=CBRNE_defense>{{cite news |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095084 | title=BRP Jose Rizal crew protected from chemical, nuclear attack |website=pna.gov.ph|date=28 February 2020 |quote=This ability is also present in the 3 Del Pilar-class}}</ref>
⚫
| Ship aircraft = 1 × [[AgustaWestland AW109|AW109E Power]] light multi-role naval helicopter<ref name="new-navy-attack-helicopters-join-first-naval-maneuvers">{{cite news |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/06/25/1338879/new-navy-attack-helicopters-join-first-naval-maneuvers |title=New Navy attack helicopters to join first naval maneuvers |author=PNA with Camille Diola |date=June 25, 2014 |access-date= June 25, 2014}}</ref>
⚫
*steel hull, aluminium superstructure
⚫
| Ship aircraft facilities = *helideck
⚫
| Ship aircraft = 1 × [[AgustaWestland AW109|AW109E Power]] naval helicopter<ref name="new-navy-attack-helicopters-join-first-naval-maneuvers">{{cite news |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/06/25/1338879/new-navy-attack-helicopters-join-first-naval-maneuvers |title=New Navy attack helicopters to join first naval maneuvers |author=PNA with Camille Diola |date=June 25, 2014 |access-date= June 25, 2014}}</ref>
⚫
*hangar: partly-fixed and partly-retractable
⚫
| Ship aircraft facilities =
⚫
| Ship notes = steel hull, aluminium superstructure
*helideck
⚫
*partly-fixed & partly-retractable hangar
| Ship notes =
}}
}}
|}
|}


'''BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PS-16)''' is the second ship of the [[Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel|''Gregorio del Pilar''-class]] [[offshore patrol vessel]]s of the [[Philippine Navy]]. From 1968 to 2012, she was known as {{USCGC|Dallas|WHEC-716|6}} and served the [[United States Coast Guard]] as a [[high endurance cutter]]. She was decommissioned on 30 March 2012 and acquired by the [[Philippines]] under the ''Excess Defense Articles'' and the [[Foreign Assistance Act]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=63&articleId=775758 |title=US government to hand over second ship to Philippines |publisher=Philstar.com |date=2012-02-09 |access-date=2012-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/26/11/afp-eyeing-2-more-second-hand-us-ships |title=AFP eyeing 2 more second-hand US ships |publisher=ABS-CBN News |date=2011-04-26 |access-date=2011-05-15}}</ref>
'''BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PS-16)''' is the second ship of the [[Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel|''Gregorio del Pilar''-class]] [[patrol ship]]s of the [[Philippine Navy]]. From 1968 to 2012, she was known as {{USCGC|Dallas|WHEC-716|6}} and served the [[United States Coast Guard]] as a [[high endurance cutter]]. She was decommissioned on 30 March 2012 and acquired by the [[Philippines]] under the ''Excess Defense Articles'' and the [[Foreign Assistance Act]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=63&articleId=775758 |title=US government to hand over second ship to Philippines |publisher=Philstar.com |date=2012-02-09 |access-date=2012-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2011-04-26 |title=AFP eyeing 2 more second-hand US ships |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/26/11/afp-eyeing-2-more-second-hand-us-ships |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731021018/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/26/11/afp-eyeing-2-more-second-hand-us-ships |archive-date=2012-07-31 |access-date=2011-05-15 |publisher=ABS-CBN News}}</ref>


She is named after Commodore [[Ramon A. Alcaraz|Ramon Alcaraz]], a Filipino Naval officer and World War II hero best known for receiving a [[Silver Star]] for heroism and gallantry during [[World War II]]. He is also known for being one of the first officers of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] to criticize the [[Martial Law under Ferdinand Marcos|Marcos dictatorship]]; and for the concept proposal which would make him the "father" of the [[Philippine Marine Corps]].<ref name="OfficialGazetteBriefer2013">{{Cite web |url=http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/06/briefer-on-ramon-alcaraz/ |title=Briefer on Ramon Alcaraz |work=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines |access-date=2018-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526154909/http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/06/briefer-on-ramon-alcaraz/ |archive-date=2018-05-26 |url-status=live |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="RamonFarolan20130804">{{Cite news |url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/58115/ramon-alcaraz-and-national-defense |title=Ramon Alcaraz and national defense |last=Farolan |first=Ramon |date=2013-08-04 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |access-date=2018-10-13 |language=en}}</ref>
She is named after Commodore [[Ramon A. Alcaraz|Ramon Alcaraz]], a Filipino Naval officer and World War II hero best known for receiving a [[Silver Star]] for heroism and gallantry during [[World War II]]. He is also known for being one of the first officers of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] to criticize the [[Martial Law under Ferdinand Marcos|Marcos dictatorship]], and for the proposal which made him the father of the [[Philippine Marine Corps]].<ref name="OfficialGazetteBriefer2013">{{Cite web |url=http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/06/briefer-on-ramon-alcaraz/ |title=Briefer on Ramon Alcaraz |work=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines |access-date=2018-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526154909/http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/06/briefer-on-ramon-alcaraz/ |archive-date=2018-05-26 |url-status=live |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="RamonFarolan20130804">{{Cite news |url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/58115/ramon-alcaraz-and-national-defense |title=Ramon Alcaraz and national defense |last=Farolan |first=Ramon |date=2013-08-04 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |access-date=2018-10-13 |language=en}}</ref>


She was originally designated as "''PF-16''" from 2012 to mid-2016. Then the Navy adopted a new code designation system leading to her being redesignated as "''FF-16''". In February 2019, the Navy downgraded the status of the entire class from [[frigate]] to patrol ship and redesignated her as "''PS-16''".<ref>{{cite news|title=Del Pilar-class frigates redesignated as patrol ships|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066243|access-date=3 April 2019|work=[[Philippine News Agency]]|date=2 April 2019}}</ref>
In 2012, she was originally designated as "''PF-16''" i.e. patrol frigate. In mid-2016, the Navy adopted a new code designation system, leading to her being re-designated as "''FF-16''" i.e. frigate. In 2019 February, the Navy downgraded the status of the entire class from [[frigate]] to [[patrol ship]] and redesignated her as "''PS-16''".<ref>{{cite news |date=2 April 2019 |title=Del Pilar-class frigates redesignated as patrol ships |url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066243 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240626082710/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066243 |archive-date=26 June 2024 |access-date=3 April 2019 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]]}}</ref>


==Design==
==Design==
The ship was designed with a high level of habitability and provides fairly comfortable accommodations, including air conditioning.<ref name="Hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/cgcHamilton/history.asp |title=History of USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) |access-date=2008-08-08 |date=2008-06-20 |work=USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) official web site |publisher=[[United States Coast Guard]] }}</ref>
The ship was designed with a high level of habitability and provides fairly comfortable accommodations, including air conditioning.<ref name="Hist">{{cite web |date=2008-06-20 |title=History of USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) |url=http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/cgcHamilton/history.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916200827/http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/cgcHamilton/history.asp |archive-date=2008-09-16 |access-date=2008-08-08 |work=USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) official web site |publisher=[[United States Coast Guard]]}}</ref>


===Propulsion===
===Propulsion===
''Ramon Alcaraz'' employs the shipboard application of aircraft gas turbine jet engines with the use of controllable pitch propellers. She is equipped with two {{convert|18000|hp}} [[Pratt & Whitney]]<ref name="Gsorg">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/whec-378.htm |title=WHEC 378' Hamilton class |access-date=2008-08-08 |date=2005-04-27 |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org }}</ref> [[gas turbine]]s and can propel the ship at speeds up to {{convert|28|kn|km/h|0}}. ''Ramon Alcaraz'' also has two {{convert|3500|hp}} [[Fairbanks-Morse]]<ref name="Gsorg"/> [[diesel engine]]s, capable of driving the ship economically at {{convert|17|kn|km/h|0}} for up to {{convert|14400|nmi|km|-2}} without refueling.<ref name="Gsorg"/> A retractable/rotatable [[bow thruster|bow propulsion unit]] provides manoeuvrability in tight situations.
''The Ramon Alcaraz'' employs the shipboard application of aircraft gas turbine jet engines with the use of controllable pitch propellers. She is equipped with two {{convert|18000|hp}} [[Pratt & Whitney]]<ref name="Gsorg">{{cite web |date=2005-04-27 |title=WHEC 378' Hamilton class |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/whec-378.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121220182916/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/whec-378.htm |archive-date=2012-12-20 |access-date=2008-08-08 |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org}}</ref> [[gas turbine]]s and can propel the ship at speeds up to {{convert|29|kn|lk=in}}. ''The Ramon Alcaraz'' also has two {{convert|3500|hp}} [[Fairbanks-Morse]]<ref name="Gsorg"/> [[diesel engine]]s, capable of driving the ship economically at {{convert|12|kn|lk=in}} for up to {{cvt|12500|nmi|lk=in}} without refueling.<ref name="Gsorg"/> A retractable/rotatable [[bow thruster|bow propulsion unit]] provides manoeuvrability in tight situations.


===Armament===
===Armament===
Prior to turn-over to the Philippine Navy, the ship was armed with a [[Oto Melara 76 mm|Mk.75 Oto Melara 76 mm Compact]] main gun, two [[M242 Bushmaster|Mk.38 25 mm Bushmaster]] chain guns at midships, and a [[Phalanx CIWS]] system aft.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/whec-378.htm |title=WHEC 378' Hamilton class |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=2011-12-15}}</ref> The CIWS and chain guns were removed prior to its turn-over, with the Mk.75 gun remaining.<ref name="New M242 Bushmaster Autocannons"/>
Prior to turn-over to the Philippine Navy, the ship was armed with a [[Oto Melara 76 mm|Mk.75 Oto Melara 76 mm Compact]] main gun, two [[M242 Bushmaster|Mk.38 25 mm Bushmaster]] chain guns at midships, and a [[Phalanx CIWS]] system aft.<ref name="Gsorg" /> The CIWS and chain guns were removed prior to its turn-over, with the Mk.75 gun remaining.<ref name="New M242 Bushmaster Autocannons"/>


The Philippine Navy then purchased two new [[M242 Bushmaster|Mk.38 Mod.2 25 mm Bushmaster Autocannons]] to replace the mounts removed by the US Coast Guard.<ref name="New M242 Bushmaster Autocannons">{{cite news| url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/342676/news/nation/brp-ramon-alcaraz-to-get-fitted-with-new-guns |title=BRP Ramon Alcaraz to get fitted with new guns |publisher=gmanetwork.com |date=2014-01-06 |access-date=2014-06-16}}</ref> These were already installed as of January 25, 2015.<ref name="mk38"/>
The Philippine Navy then purchased two new [[M242 Bushmaster|Mk.38 Mod.2 25 mm Bushmaster Autocannons]] to replace the mounts removed by the US Coast Guard.<ref name="New M242 Bushmaster Autocannons">{{cite news |date=2014-01-06 |title=BRP Ramon Alcaraz to get fitted with new guns |publisher=gmanetwork.com |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/342676/news/nation/brp-ramon-alcaraz-to-get-fitted-with-new-guns |url-status=live |access-date=2014-06-16 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230921135831/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/342676/brp-ramon-alcaraz-to-get-fitted-with-new-guns/story/ |archive-date=2023-09-21}}</ref> These were already installed as of January 25, 2015.<ref name="mk38"/>


===Flight support===
===Flight support===
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The Philippine Navy plans to modernize the entire ship of the class, with an initial program to upgrade the ship's sensors, and another program to improve its weapon systems.
The Philippine Navy plans to modernize the entire ship of the class, with an initial program to upgrade the ship's sensors, and another program to improve its weapon systems.


Several systems were acquired through US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF), which includes the BAE Systems [[Typhoon Weapon Station|Mk. 38 Mod. 2]] machine gun system (already installed), the [[Giraffe radar|SAAB AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe AMB]] 3D air/surface search radar,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2018/us-to-export-saabs-sea-giraffe-amb-radar-in-foreign-military-sales-deal |title=US to Export Saab's Sea Giraffe AMB Radar in Foreign Military Sales Deal |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210907154617/https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2018/us-to-export-saabs-sea-giraffe-amb-radar-in-foreign-military-sales-deal |archive-date=2021-09-07|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2016/december-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4678-u-s-green-lights-fms-of-an-sps-77-sea-giraffe-radar-for-philippines-navy-hamilton-class-cutters.html |title=U.S. Green Lights FMS of AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe Radar for Philippines Navy Hamilton-class Cutters |publisher=Navy Recognition |date=2016-12-14 |access-date=2016-12-16}}</ref> and the [[FLIR Systems]] SeaFLIR 230 Electro-Optical/Infra-Red Camera.<ref name=MD20180523>{{cite web| url=https://www.facebook.com/MaxDefense/photos/a.119059604931372/715827491921244/?type=3&theater |title=MaxDefense Philippines 23 May 2018 |author=Montero, Max |publisher=MaxDefense Philippines |date=2018-05-23 |access-date=2018-10-12}}</ref>
Several systems were acquired through US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF), which includes the BAE Systems [[Typhoon Weapon Station|Mk. 38 Mod. 2]] machine gun system (already installed), the [[Giraffe radar|SAAB AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe AMB]] 3D air/surface search radar,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2018/us-to-export-saabs-sea-giraffe-amb-radar-in-foreign-military-sales-deal |title=US to Export Saab's Sea Giraffe AMB Radar in Foreign Military Sales Deal |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210907154617/https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2018/us-to-export-saabs-sea-giraffe-amb-radar-in-foreign-military-sales-deal |archive-date=2021-09-07|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2016-12-14 |title=U.S. Green Lights FMS of AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe Radar for Philippines Navy Hamilton-class Cutters |url=http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2016/december-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4678-u-s-green-lights-fms-of-an-sps-77-sea-giraffe-radar-for-philippines-navy-hamilton-class-cutters.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210907155021/https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2016/december-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4678-u-s-green-lights-fms-of-an-sps-77-sea-giraffe-radar-for-philippines-navy-hamilton-class-cutters.html |archive-date=2021-09-07 |access-date=2016-12-16 |publisher=Navy Recognition}}</ref> and the [[FLIR Systems]] SeaFLIR 230 Electro-Optical/Infra-Red Camera.<ref name=MD20180523>{{cite web| url=https://www.facebook.com/MaxDefense/photos/a.119059604931372/715827491921244/?type=3&theater |title=MaxDefense Philippines 23 May 2018 |author=Montero, Max |publisher=MaxDefense Philippines |date=2018-05-23 |access-date=2018-10-12}}</ref>


Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy will launch a program to acquire, install and integrate several other sensors into the ship, as part of the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. Among those to be acquired are new Combat Management System (CMS), Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS), and a Radar Electronic Support Measures (R-ESM).<ref name=MD20180523/>
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy will launch a program to acquire, install and integrate several other sensors into the ship, as part of the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. Among those to be acquired are new Combat Management System (CMS), Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS), and a Radar Electronic Support Measures (R-ESM).<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2019 |title=In-Details: Upgrading the Del Pilar-class Frigates |url=https://www.pitzdefanalysis.net/2019/02/in-details-upgrading-del-pilar-class.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325140806/https://www.pitzdefanalysis.net/2019/02/in-details-upgrading-del-pilar-class.html |archive-date=25 March 2023 |access-date=21 September 2023 |website=Pitz Defense Analysis}}</ref>


Future upgrades are planned to install defensive and offensive missile systems, as well as torpedo weapon system,<ref name="Goryo-class to get heavier weapons, torpedoWS">{{cite news |title=Navy patrol vessels to get weapons upgrade |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094556 |date=22 February 2020 |work=Philippine News Agency|language=en}}</ref> although funding is still being secured and might only be included in the next phase of the Navy's modernization program.
Future upgrades are planned to install defensive and offensive missile systems, as well as torpedo weapon system,<ref name="Goryo-class to get heavier weapons, torpedoWS">{{cite news |date=22 February 2020 |title=Navy patrol vessels to get weapons upgrade |language=en |work=Philippine News Agency |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094556 |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129123755/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094556 |archive-date=29 November 2021}}</ref> although funding is still being secured and might only be included in the next phase of the Navy's modernization program.


In 2020 October 14, Navy chief Giovanni Carlo Bacordo revealed the completion of the ''3D modeling program'' for the entire ship class' cabling systems to be used for their electronic upgrades (CMS + 4 sensors).<ref name=3DModeling-CablingSystem-GoryoClass>{{cite news| last=Nepomoceno |first=Priam |title=3D modeling for Del Pilar vessels upgrades now completed: Navy |location=PH |language=En |publisher=Philippine News Agency (PNA) |date=14 October 2020 |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118449}}</ref>
In 2020 October 14, Navy chief Giovanni Carlo Bacordo revealed the completion of the ''3D modeling program'' for the entire ship class' cabling systems to be used for their electronic upgrades (CMS + 4 sensors), indicating the project is at least running despite the covid-19 pandemic.<ref name="3DModeling-CablingSystem-GoryoClass">{{cite news |last=Nepomoceno |first=Priam |date=14 October 2020 |title=3D modeling for Del Pilar vessels upgrades now completed: Navy |language=En |publisher=Philippine News Agency (PNA) |location=PH |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118449 |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123102937/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118449 |archive-date=23 November 2021}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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The ship was first launched in 1968 and served for decades as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ''Dallas'' (WHEC-716) before being given to the Philippines.
The ship was first launched in 1968 and served for decades as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ''Dallas'' (WHEC-716) before being given to the Philippines.


The ship was scheduled to be transferred to the Philippines as an excess defense article through the [[Foreign Assistance Act]] via a "hot transfer" in May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=375 |title=Navy Capability Upgrade Team Inspects New Ship |publisher=Philippine Navy – Naval Public Affairs Office |date=2011-11-08 |access-date=2011-11-10 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The ''Dallas'' was formally decommissioned on 30 March 2012, and the US Coast Guard removed the ship's guns and other equipment.<ref name="inquirer220512">{{cite web|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/37511/2nd-us-warship-sold-to-philippines-also-stripped-of-guns |title=2nd US warship sold to Philippines also stripped of guns |publisher=Inquirer.net |date=2012-05-22 |access-date=2012-05-22}}</ref>
The ship was scheduled to be transferred to the Philippines as an excess defense article through the [[Foreign Assistance Act]] via a "hot transfer" in May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=375 |title=Navy Capability Upgrade Team Inspects New Ship |publisher=Philippine Navy – Naval Public Affairs Office |date=2011-11-08 |access-date=2011-11-10 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The ''Dallas'' was formally decommissioned on 30 March 2012, and the US Coast Guard removed the ship's guns and other equipment.<ref name="inquirer220512">{{cite web |date=2012-05-22 |title=2nd US warship sold to Philippines also stripped of guns |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/37511/2nd-us-warship-sold-to-philippines-also-stripped-of-guns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711171352/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/37511/2nd-us-warship-sold-to-philippines-also-stripped-of-guns |archive-date=2012-07-11 |access-date=2012-05-22 |publisher=Inquirer.net}}</ref>


On 6 May 2012 during the 70th commemoration of the Fall of Bataan, President [[Benigno Aquino III]] announced the naming of the ex-USCGC ''Dallas'' to BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PF-16) in honor of the World War II hero and officer of the Philippine Navy. Commodore [[Ramon A. Alcaraz|Ramon "Monching" Alcaraz]] commanded one of the Philippine Offshore Patrol's Q-boat Q-112 ''Abra'' during World War II which shot down 3 Japanese aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/31168/philippines-second-warship-to-be-named-ramon-alcaraz-world-war-ii-hero |title=Philippines' second warship to be named Ramon Alcaraz, World War II hero |publisher=Interaksyon.com |date=2012-05-06 |access-date=2012-05-22}}</ref>
On 6 May 2012 during the 70th commemoration of the Fall of Bataan, President [[Benigno Aquino III]] announced the naming of the ex-USCGC ''Dallas'' to BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PF-16) in honor of the World War II hero and officer of the Philippine Navy. Commodore [[Ramon A. Alcaraz|Ramon "Monching" Alcaraz]] commanded one of the Philippine Offshore Patrol's Q-boat Q-112 ''Abra'' during World War II which shot down 3 Japanese aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/31168/philippines-second-warship-to-be-named-ramon-alcaraz-world-war-ii-hero |title=Philippines' second warship to be named Ramon Alcaraz, World War II hero |publisher=Interaksyon.com |date=2012-05-06 |access-date=2012-05-22}}</ref>
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The ex-''Dallas'' was formally transferred to the Philippine government on 22 May 2012 during a ceremony at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Pier Papa in [[Charleston, South Carolina|North Charleston]], [[South Carolina]]. The ship was turned over to its Filipino crew, with Capt. Ernesto Baldovino as its first commanding officer.<ref name=inquirer220512/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://charleston.thedigitel.com/features/decommissioned-coast-guard-cutter-dallas-being-tra-39329-0518 |title=Decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter Dallas being {{sic|trans|fered|expected=transferred||nolink=y}} to Philippine navy |publisher=The Digitel Charleston |date=2012-05-18 |access-date=2012-05-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524044919/http://charleston.thedigitel.com/features/decommissioned-coast-guard-cutter-dallas-being-tra-39329-0518 |archive-date=2012-05-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcnews4.com/story/18598532/cutter-dallas-officially-turned-over-to-phillippines |title=Cutter Dallas officially turned over to Philippines |publisher=ABC News 4 Charleston |date=2012-05-23 |access-date=2012-05-23}}</ref> The ship's crew had been in the US for several weeks prior to the transfer for training aboard other ''Hamilton''-class ships operated by the US Coast Guard.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.balitangamerica.tv/afp-chief-to-receive-2nd-us-patrol-ship/ |title=AFP CHIEF TO RECEIVE 2ND US PATROL SHIP |publisher=Balitang America – ABS-CBN International |date=2012-05-18 |access-date=2012-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112180747/http://www.balitangamerica.tv/afp-chief-to-receive-2nd-us-patrol-ship/ |archive-date=2013-11-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Ramon Alcaraz'' was scheduled to be refitted at the expense of the Philippine Navy prior to sailing to the Philippines. The ship's transfer cost was pegged at Php 450 million (around US$10 million as of 2012), while operation costs will be similar to its sister ship, {{ship|BRP|Gregorio del Pilar|PF-15|6}}.<ref name="interaksyon220512">{{cite web |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/32580/gazmin-assures-navy-of-brand-new-gear-assets-showcased-on-navy-day |title=Gazmin assures Navy of brand-new gear, assets showcased on Navy Day |publisher=Interaksyon.com |date=2012-05-22 |access-date=2012-05-22 |archive-date=2016-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305015813/http://www.interaksyon.com/article/32580/gazmin-assures-navy-of-brand-new-gear-assets-showcased-on-navy-day |url-status=dead }}</ref> An additional US$5 million was allocated for installation of additional equipment, different from her sister ship ''Gregorio del Pilar''.<ref name="philstar100812">{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/article.aspx?articleid=857575&publicationsubcategoryid=200 |title=Phl spends $15M on 2nd US Hamilton-class cutter |publisher=Philstar.com |date=2012-10-08 |access-date=2012-10-16}}</ref> The ship will have better fire control and weapons systems than ''Gregorio del Pilar''.<ref name=AbsCbn />
The ex-''Dallas'' was formally transferred to the Philippine government on 22 May 2012 during a ceremony at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Pier Papa in [[Charleston, South Carolina|North Charleston]], [[South Carolina]]. The ship was turned over to its Filipino crew, with Capt. Ernesto Baldovino as its first commanding officer.<ref name=inquirer220512/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://charleston.thedigitel.com/features/decommissioned-coast-guard-cutter-dallas-being-tra-39329-0518 |title=Decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter Dallas being {{sic|trans|fered|expected=transferred||nolink=y}} to Philippine navy |publisher=The Digitel Charleston |date=2012-05-18 |access-date=2012-05-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524044919/http://charleston.thedigitel.com/features/decommissioned-coast-guard-cutter-dallas-being-tra-39329-0518 |archive-date=2012-05-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcnews4.com/story/18598532/cutter-dallas-officially-turned-over-to-phillippines |title=Cutter Dallas officially turned over to Philippines |publisher=ABC News 4 Charleston |date=2012-05-23 |access-date=2012-05-23}}</ref> The ship's crew had been in the US for several weeks prior to the transfer for training aboard other ''Hamilton''-class ships operated by the US Coast Guard.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.balitangamerica.tv/afp-chief-to-receive-2nd-us-patrol-ship/ |title=AFP CHIEF TO RECEIVE 2ND US PATROL SHIP |publisher=Balitang America – ABS-CBN International |date=2012-05-18 |access-date=2012-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112180747/http://www.balitangamerica.tv/afp-chief-to-receive-2nd-us-patrol-ship/ |archive-date=2013-11-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Ramon Alcaraz'' was scheduled to be refitted at the expense of the Philippine Navy prior to sailing to the Philippines. The ship's transfer cost was pegged at Php 450 million (around US$10 million as of 2012), while operation costs will be similar to its sister ship, {{ship|BRP|Gregorio del Pilar|PF-15|6}}.<ref name="interaksyon220512">{{cite web |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/32580/gazmin-assures-navy-of-brand-new-gear-assets-showcased-on-navy-day |title=Gazmin assures Navy of brand-new gear, assets showcased on Navy Day |publisher=Interaksyon.com |date=2012-05-22 |access-date=2012-05-22 |archive-date=2016-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305015813/http://www.interaksyon.com/article/32580/gazmin-assures-navy-of-brand-new-gear-assets-showcased-on-navy-day |url-status=dead }}</ref> An additional US$5 million was allocated for installation of additional equipment, different from her sister ship ''Gregorio del Pilar''.<ref name="philstar100812">{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/article.aspx?articleid=857575&publicationsubcategoryid=200 |title=Phl spends $15M on 2nd US Hamilton-class cutter |publisher=Philstar.com |date=2012-10-08 |access-date=2012-10-16}}</ref> The ship will have better fire control and weapons systems than ''Gregorio del Pilar''.<ref name=AbsCbn />


The ship was originally expected to leave Charleston, South Carolina for the Philippines in January 2013 but it was delayed.<ref name=philstar100812/><ref name="AbsCbn">{{cite news|title=Arrival of new PH navy ship pushed back|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/02/12/arrival-new-ph-navy-ship-pushed-back|access-date=24 January 2013|newspaper=ABS-CBN News|date=2012-12-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/04/915541/arrival-new-phl-warship-delayed |title=Arrival of new Phl warship delayed |author=Romero, Alexis |work=PhilStar.com |publisher=The Philippine Star |date=2013-05-04 |access-date=2013-05-26}}</ref> The ship finally departed Charleston harbor at 10:00 AM on 10 June 2013. She reached the Atlantic-side entrance of the Panama Canal and crossed its entire stretch on 17 June. ''Ramon Alcaraz'' continued her journey across the Pacific Ocean and was scheduled for port visits at [[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam]] in [[Hawaii]], and at [[Guam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/315210/news/nation/phl-navy-s-new-ship-the-brp-ramon-alcaraz-reaches-san-diego |title=PHL Navy's new ship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, reaches San Diego &#124; News &#124; GMA News Online |website=Gmanetwork.com |access-date=2016-09-30}}</ref> before reaching Manila by 3 August 2013.<ref name=gmanews040713>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/315928/news/nation/brp-alcaraz-to-arrive-in-phl-on-aug-3-dfa |title=BRP Alcaraz to arrive in PHL on Aug. 3 – DFA |publisher=GMA News |date=2013-07-04 |access-date=2013-07-04}}</ref>
The ship was originally expected to leave Charleston, South Carolina for the Philippines in January 2013 but it was delayed.<ref name=philstar100812/><ref name="AbsCbn">{{cite news|title=Arrival of new PH navy ship pushed back|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/02/12/arrival-new-ph-navy-ship-pushed-back|access-date=24 January 2013|newspaper=ABS-CBN News|date=2012-12-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Romero, Alexis |date=2013-05-04 |title=Arrival of new Phl warship delayed |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/04/915541/arrival-new-phl-warship-delayed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411151957/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/04/915541/arrival-new-phl-warship-delayed |archive-date=2013-04-11 |access-date=2013-05-26 |work=PhilStar.com |publisher=The Philippine Star}}</ref> The ship finally departed Charleston harbor at 10:00 AM on 10 June 2013. She reached the Atlantic-side entrance of the Panama Canal and crossed its entire stretch on 17 June. ''Ramon Alcaraz'' continued her journey across the Pacific Ocean and was scheduled for port visits at [[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam]] in [[Hawaii]], and at [[Guam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/315210/news/nation/phl-navy-s-new-ship-the-brp-ramon-alcaraz-reaches-san-diego |title=PHL Navy's new ship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, reaches San Diego {{pipe}} News {{pipe}} GMA News Online |website=Gmanetwork.com |access-date=2016-09-30}}</ref> before reaching Manila by 3 August 2013.<ref name=gmanews040713>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/315928/news/nation/brp-alcaraz-to-arrive-in-phl-on-aug-3-dfa |title=BRP Alcaraz to arrive in PHL on Aug. 3 – DFA |publisher=GMA News |date=2013-07-04 |access-date=2013-07-04}}</ref>


On August 1, 2013, ''Ramon Alcaraz'' entered Philippine waters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/82061/brp-ramon-alcaraz-enters-ph-territory-navy |title=BRP Ramon Alcaraz enters PH – Navy |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=August 1, 2013 |access-date=September 24, 2014 |author=Frances Mangosing}}</ref> Her official arrival ceremony was held Subic Bay on August 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/71560-BRP-Ramon-Alcaraz-meets-sister-ship-in-Bolinao,-Pangasinan.html |title=BRP Ramon Alcaraz meets sister ship in Bolinao, Pangasinan - ZamboTimes |access-date=2013-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112180939/http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/71560-BRP-Ramon-Alcaraz-meets-sister-ship-in-Bolinao%2C-Pangasinan.html |archive-date=2013-11-12 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/320786/news/nation/phl-attempts-to-modernize-navy-with-46-year-old-warship-brp-ramon-alcaraz |title=PHL attempts to 'modernize' Navy with 46-year-old warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz &#124; News &#124; GMA News Online |website=Gmanetwork.com |access-date=2016-09-30}}</ref> On November 22, 2013, she was commissioned as BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PF-16) at Pier 15 in Manila's South Harbor.<ref name="commisioning&firstmission">{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/44382-alcaraz-maiden-voyage |title=Maiden voyage of PH's most capable warship |date=2013-11-22 |access-date=2013-11-30}}</ref><ref name="commisioningplace">{{cite news|url=http://www.philippinestoday.net/archives/12581 |title=BRP Ramon Alcaraz conducts maiden relief mission for 'Yolanda' victims in Tacloban |newspaper=Philippines Today |access-date=2016-09-30}}</ref>
On August 1, 2013, ''Ramon Alcaraz'' entered Philippine waters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/82061/brp-ramon-alcaraz-enters-ph-territory-navy |title=BRP Ramon Alcaraz enters PH – Navy |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=August 1, 2013 |access-date=September 24, 2014 |author=Frances Mangosing}}</ref> Her official arrival ceremony was held Subic Bay on August 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/71560-BRP-Ramon-Alcaraz-meets-sister-ship-in-Bolinao,-Pangasinan.html |title=BRP Ramon Alcaraz meets sister ship in Bolinao, Pangasinan - ZamboTimes |access-date=2013-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112180939/http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/71560-BRP-Ramon-Alcaraz-meets-sister-ship-in-Bolinao%2C-Pangasinan.html |archive-date=2013-11-12 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/320786/news/nation/phl-attempts-to-modernize-navy-with-46-year-old-warship-brp-ramon-alcaraz |title=PHL attempts to 'modernize' Navy with 46-year-old warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz {{pipe}} News {{pipe}} GMA News Online |website=Gmanetwork.com |access-date=2016-09-30}}</ref> On November 22, 2013, she was commissioned as BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PF-16) at Pier 15 in Manila's South Harbor.<ref name="commisioning&firstmission">{{cite web |date=2013-11-22 |title=Maiden voyage of PH's most capable warship |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/44382-alcaraz-maiden-voyage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230921134235/https://www.rappler.com/nation/44382-alcaraz-maiden-voyage/ |archive-date=2023-09-21 |access-date=2013-11-30}}</ref><ref name="commisioningplace">{{cite news|url=http://www.philippinestoday.net/archives/12581 |title=BRP Ramon Alcaraz conducts maiden relief mission for 'Yolanda' victims in Tacloban |newspaper=Philippines Today |access-date=2016-09-30}}</ref>


After commissioning, she sailed to Tacloban City to transport about 200 tons of relief goods, water purification systems, and navy personnel who helped with relief efforts following [[Typhoon Haiyan]].<ref name="commisioning&firstmission"/><ref name="commisioningplace"/>
After commissioning, she sailed to Tacloban City to transport about 200 tons of relief goods, water purification systems, and navy personnel who helped with relief efforts following [[Typhoon Haiyan]].<ref name="commisioning&firstmission"/><ref name="commisioningplace"/>
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In January 2020, Naval Task Force (NTF) 82, which was composed of BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' and the landing dock [[BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602)|BRP ''Davao del Sur'']], were deployed to the Middle East to repatriate [[overseas Filipino workers]] there during the 2019-2020 Persian Gulf crisis between the [[United States]] and [[Iran]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://navaltoday.com/2020/01/15/philippine-navy-deploys-two-ships-to-middle-east-to-repatriate-filipinos/ |title=Philippine Navy deploys two ships to Middle East to repatriate Filipinos |publisher=Naval Today |date=January 15, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> The two naval ships arrived in [[Muscat]], [[Oman]] on February 6 after a layover in [[Sri Lanka]], but tensions in the Gulf region have already eased by that date and were told by Philippine Navy officials to stay put.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/185605/philippine-navy-ships-deployed-in-oman-to-stay-put |title=Philippine Navy ships deployed in Oman to stay put |first=Frances |last=Mangosing |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 25, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> They left Oman on April 21 and arrived in [[Cochin]], [[India]] on May 6. They picked up some 200,000 pieces of [[personal protective equipment]] (PPEs) donated by a Filipino donor who sources masks from India. They also picked up Filipinos stranded by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102119 |title=2 PH Navy ships in India to pick up face mask donation |website=Philippine News Agency |date=May 7, 2020}}</ref>
In January 2020, Naval Task Force (NTF) 82, which was composed of BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' and the landing dock [[BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602)|BRP ''Davao del Sur'']], were deployed to the Middle East to repatriate [[overseas Filipino workers]] there during the 2019-2020 Persian Gulf crisis between the [[United States]] and [[Iran]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://navaltoday.com/2020/01/15/philippine-navy-deploys-two-ships-to-middle-east-to-repatriate-filipinos/ |title=Philippine Navy deploys two ships to Middle East to repatriate Filipinos |publisher=Naval Today |date=January 15, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> The two naval ships arrived in [[Muscat]], [[Oman]] on February 6 after a layover in [[Sri Lanka]], but tensions in the Gulf region have already eased by that date and were told by Philippine Navy officials to stay put.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/185605/philippine-navy-ships-deployed-in-oman-to-stay-put |title=Philippine Navy ships deployed in Oman to stay put |first=Frances |last=Mangosing |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 25, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> They left Oman on April 21 and arrived in [[Cochin]], [[India]] on May 6. They picked up some 200,000 pieces of [[personal protective equipment]] (PPEs) donated by a Filipino donor who sources masks from India. They also picked up Filipinos stranded by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102119 |title=2 PH Navy ships in India to pick up face mask donation |website=Philippine News Agency |date=May 7, 2020}}</ref>


On the evening of May 7, 2020, a fire broke out in the engine room of the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' shortly after it left the port of Cochin, India. The fire, which lasted for 10 minutes, was extinguished by the crew members. Two enlisted men suffered second degree burns and were airlifted to a naval hospital in Cochin for “extensive medical attention".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/187565/ph-navy-ship-catches-fire-delays-return-from-india |title=PH Navy ship catches fire, delays return from India |first=Frances |last=Mangosing |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=May 8, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> The ship stayed in Cochin for an additional 21 days and, with the help of the [[Naval Sea Systems Command|US Naval Sea Systems Command]], conducted assessment and minor repair to ensure functionality and safety of the proplusion system for the trip back to the Philippines, where additional repairs will be done.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/187604/fire-hit-ph-navy-ship-to-extend-stay-in-india-for-3-weeks-for-repairs |title=Fire-hit PH Navy ship to extend stay in India for 3 weeks for repairs |first=Frances |last=Mangosing |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=May 10, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref>
On the evening of May 7, 2020, a fire broke out in the engine room of the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' shortly after it left the port of Cochin, India. The fire, which lasted for 10 minutes, was extinguished by the crew members. Two enlisted men suffered second degree burns and were airlifted to a naval hospital in Cochin for "extensive medical attention".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/187565/ph-navy-ship-catches-fire-delays-return-from-india |title=PH Navy ship catches fire, delays return from India |first=Frances |last=Mangosing |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=May 8, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> The ship stayed in Cochin for an additional 21 days and, with the help of the [[Naval Sea Systems Command|US Naval Sea Systems Command]], conducted assessment and minor repair to ensure functionality and safety of the proplusion system for the trip back to the Philippines, where additional repairs will be done.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/187604/fire-hit-ph-navy-ship-to-extend-stay-in-india-for-3-weeks-for-repairs |title=Fire-hit PH Navy ship to extend stay in India for 3 weeks for repairs |first=Frances |last=Mangosing |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=May 10, 2020 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref>


On May 27, 2020, the two ships left Cochin after the minor repairs were completed. They arrived in [[Colombo, Sri Lanka]] on May 29 to pick up 12 stranded Filipino overseas workers and tourists.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104407 |title=BRP Davao del Sur fetches 12 more stranded Pinoys in Sri Lanka |website=Philippine News Agency |date=May 30, 2020}}</ref> They left the port of Colombo midnight of May 31 for their voyage back to the Philippines. The two ships joined the country in celebrating its 122nd Independence Day as both entered Manila Bay on Friday, June 12.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105767 |title=NTF 82 ships celebrate Independence Day in Manila Bay |website=Philippine News Agency |date=June 12, 2020}}</ref>
On May 27, 2020, the two ships left Cochin after the minor repairs were completed. They arrived in [[Colombo, Sri Lanka]] on May 29 to pick up 12 stranded Filipino overseas workers and tourists.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104407 |title=BRP Davao del Sur fetches 12 more stranded Pinoys in Sri Lanka |website=Philippine News Agency |date=May 30, 2020}}</ref> They left the port of Colombo midnight of May 31 for their voyage back to the Philippines. The two ships joined the country in celebrating its 122nd Independence Day as both entered Manila Bay on Friday, June 12.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105767 |title=NTF 82 ships celebrate Independence Day in Manila Bay |website=Philippine News Agency |date=June 12, 2020}}</ref>
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*The ship, together with its sister ship {{BRP|Gregorio del Pilar|PS-15}} participated in joint naval maneuvers as part of ''CARAT 2014 Philippines'' from June 26 to July 1, 2014. It was scheduled to conduct exercises on gunnery, combined air, surface, anti-submarine operations at sea.<ref>[http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsphilippines-us-to-conduct-carat-2014-near-south-china-sea-4300586 Philippines and US to conduct CARAT 2014 near South China Sea]</ref>
*The ship, together with its sister ship {{BRP|Gregorio del Pilar|PS-15}} participated in joint naval maneuvers as part of ''CARAT 2014 Philippines'' from June 26 to July 1, 2014. It was scheduled to conduct exercises on gunnery, combined air, surface, anti-submarine operations at sea.<ref>[http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsphilippines-us-to-conduct-carat-2014-near-south-china-sea-4300586 Philippines and US to conduct CARAT 2014 near South China Sea]</ref>
*The ship, together with a naval AW109E helicopter (serial PNH-431), traveled to Northern Australia as a major participant in the ''KAKADU 2014'' Multi-lateral Naval Exercises hosted by the Australian Defence Force from August 25 to September 12, 2014.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=1395&home=1 Philippine Navy Sends Alcaraz for Biggest Aussie War Games] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826021309/http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=1395&home=1 |date=2016-08-26 }}</ref> The ship's crew also participated in boarding training with the Australian Navy before the actual sea-phase of the exercises.<ref>[http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2014/KAKADU2014/1355/Australian-and-Philippine-navies-conduct-boarding-training-together-in-Darwin-KAKADU-Exercises.htm#.VARW58WSxWU Australian and Philippine Navies Conduct Boarding Training Together in Darwin]</ref>
*The ship, together with a naval AW109E helicopter (serial PNH-431), traveled to Northern Australia as a major participant in the ''KAKADU 2014'' Multi-lateral Naval Exercises hosted by the Australian Defence Force from August 25 to September 12, 2014.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=1395&home=1 Philippine Navy Sends Alcaraz for Biggest Aussie War Games] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826021309/http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=1395&home=1 |date=2016-08-26 }}</ref> The ship's crew also participated in boarding training with the Australian Navy before the actual sea-phase of the exercises.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2014/KAKADU2014/1355/Australian-and-Philippine-navies-conduct-boarding-training-together-in-Darwin-KAKADU-Exercises.htm#.VARW58WSxWU |title=Australian and Philippine Navies Conduct Boarding Training Together in Darwin |access-date=2014-09-01 |archive-date=2014-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907151247/http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2014/KAKADU2014/1355/Australian-and-Philippine-navies-conduct-boarding-training-together-in-Darwin-KAKADU-Exercises.htm#.VARW58WSxWU |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*During the first week of May 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' participated in the [[Balikatan|''Exercise Balikatan 34-2018'']] with US Forces together with the {{BRP|Davao del Sur|LD-602}}.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/988162/balikatan-exercises-start-amid-worries-on-chinas-military-buildup-in-south-china-sea "Balikatan Exercises Start Amid Worries on China’s Military Buildup in South China Sea"]</ref>
*During the first week of May 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' participated in the [[Balikatan|''Exercise Balikatan 34-2018'']] with US Forces together with the {{BRP|Davao del Sur|LD-602}}.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/988162/balikatan-exercises-start-amid-worries-on-chinas-military-buildup-in-south-china-sea "Balikatan Exercises Start Amid Worries on China's Military Buildup in South China Sea"]</ref>
*In the third week of May 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' conducted joint training with [[HMAS Anzac (FFH 150)]] around the waters of [[Negros Island]] for ''Exercise Lumbas 2018'', a joint Maritime Training Activity between the [[Royal Australian Navy|Royal Australian Navy (RAN)]] and the Philippine Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/30/katropa-lumbas2018-pnranconductscombinedmaritimetraining-lumbas-2018-pn-ran-conducts-combined-maritime-training/ |title="LUMBAS 2018 {{!}} PN, RAN Conducts Combined Maritime Training |access-date=2018-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606014949/http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/30/katropa-lumbas2018-pnranconductscombinedmaritimetraining-lumbas-2018-pn-ran-conducts-combined-maritime-training/ |archive-date=2018-06-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*In the third week of May 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' conducted joint training with [[HMAS Anzac (FFH 150)]] around the waters of [[Negros Island]] for ''Exercise Lumbas 2018'', a joint Maritime Training Activity between the [[Royal Australian Navy|Royal Australian Navy (RAN)]] and the Philippine Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/30/katropa-lumbas2018-pnranconductscombinedmaritimetraining-lumbas-2018-pn-ran-conducts-combined-maritime-training/ |title="LUMBAS 2018 {{!}} PN, RAN Conducts Combined Maritime Training |access-date=2018-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606014949/http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/30/katropa-lumbas2018-pnranconductscombinedmaritimetraining-lumbas-2018-pn-ran-conducts-combined-maritime-training/ |archive-date=2018-06-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


*In the second week of July 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' participated in the ''Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama'' at [[Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar]] in [[Pampanga]] with the [[United States Navy|US Navy (USN)]] along with the {{BRP|Tarlac|LD-601}} [[Landing Platform Dock]]. The USN sent the [[USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3)]] Transport Ship, [[USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52)]] Salvage Ship and a [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|P-8 Poseidon]] Aircraft for the exercise.<ref>[https://www.dvidshub.net/news/283530/us-philippines-strengthen-alliance-with-maritime-training-activity-2018 "US & Philippines Strengthen Alliance with Maritime Training Activity 2018"]</ref>
*In the second week of July 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' participated in the ''Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama'' at [[Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar]] in [[Pampanga]] with the [[United States Navy|US Navy (USN)]] along with the {{BRP|Tarlac|LD-601}} [[Landing Platform Dock]]. The USN sent the [[USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3)]] Transport Ship, [[USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52)]] Salvage Ship and a [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|P-8 Poseidon]] Aircraft for the exercise.<ref>[https://www.dvidshub.net/news/283530/us-philippines-strengthen-alliance-with-maritime-training-activity-2018 "US & Philippines Strengthen Alliance with Maritime Training Activity 2018"]</ref>
*During the third week of July 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' participated in a ''Maritime Security Activity (MSA)'' with the [[Royal Australian Navy|Royal Australian Navy (RAN)]] in the waters around [[Palawan]] along with the {{BRP|Simeon Castro|PC-374}}. The RAN sent the vessels [[HMAS Ararat]] and [[HMAS Wollongong]] for the activity which consists of Ship Training Activities, Maritime Patrols, Maritime Security Threat discussions, among others.<ref>[http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1041516 "PH, Aussie Navies to Hold Maritime Security Activity in Palawan"]</ref>
*During the third week of July 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' participated in a ''Maritime Security Activity (MSA)'' with the [[Royal Australian Navy|Royal Australian Navy (RAN)]] in the waters around [[Palawan]] along with the {{BRP|Simeon Castro|PC-374}}. The RAN sent the vessels [[HMAS Ararat]] and [[HMAS Wollongong]] for the activity which consists of Ship Training Activities, Maritime Patrols, Maritime Security Threat discussions, among others.<ref>[http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1041516 "PH, Aussie Navies to Hold Maritime Security Activity in Palawan"]</ref>
*From August to September 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' participated again in ''KAKADU 2018'' held in [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]], [[Australia]] which is a biennial event and is the largest maritime exercise hosted by Australia. The 2018 version of the exercise included 3,000 personnel, 23 ships, 1 submarine and 21 aircraft from 28 nations.<ref>[https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/14/navy-team-sails-back-to-ph-after-joining-aussie-maritime-exercise/ “Navy Team Sails Back to PH after Joining Aussie Maritime Exercise”]</ref> The Alcaraz participated in various maritime activities there including firing its [[Oto Melara 76 mm]] caliber main gun in a live fire exercise.<ref>[http://www.asianpolicy.press/2018/09/look-brp-alcaraz-fires-15-rounds-of-tp.html “LOOK: BRP Alcaraz Fires 15 Rounds of TP Ammunition”]</ref>
*From August to September 2018, the BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' participated again in ''KAKADU 2018'' held in [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]], [[Australia]] which is a biennial event and is the largest maritime exercise hosted by Australia. The 2018 version of the exercise included 3,000 personnel, 23 ships, 1 submarine and 21 aircraft from 28 nations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/14/navy-team-sails-back-to-ph-after-joining-aussie-maritime-exercise/ |title="Navy Team Sails Back to PH after Joining Aussie Maritime Exercise" |access-date=2018-09-24 |archive-date=2018-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924190609/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/14/navy-team-sails-back-to-ph-after-joining-aussie-maritime-exercise/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Alcaraz participated in various maritime activities there including firing its [[Oto Melara 76 mm]] caliber main gun in a live fire exercise.<ref>[http://www.asianpolicy.press/2018/09/look-brp-alcaraz-fires-15-rounds-of-tp.html "LOOK: BRP Alcaraz Fires 15 Rounds of TP Ammunition"]</ref>
*In May 2019, the ship participated in a 10-day coordinated Sea Patrol and Exercise in the [[Sulu Sea]] and [[Celebes Sea]] with the [[Albatros-class fast attack craft|KRI ''Pandrong'' (801)]] of the [[Indonesian Navy]]. The exercise aimed to improve interoperability and strengthen the capability to secure the seas.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190502132443/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-05/02/c_138029657.htm "Philippines, Indonesia kick off coordinated Border Naval Patrol"]</ref>
*In May 2019, the ship participated in a 10-day coordinated Sea Patrol and Exercise in the [[Sulu Sea]] and [[Celebes Sea]] with the [[Albatros-class fast attack craft|KRI ''Pandrong'' (801)]] of the [[Indonesian Navy]]. The exercise aimed to improve interoperability and strengthen the capability to secure the seas.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190502132443/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-05/02/c_138029657.htm "Philippines, Indonesia kick off coordinated Border Naval Patrol"]</ref>

*In April 2024, the ship participated in the Multilateral Maritime Exercise as part of Exercise Balikatan 39-2024. The maritime exercise involved ship contingents from the Philippine Navy, the United States Navy and the French Navy. She participated alongside [[BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602)]], [[USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49)]], [[USS Somerset (LPD-25)]], and [[French frigate Vendémiaire|FS Vendémiaire (F734)]].<ref name="Naval News">{{cite web |last1=Lariosa |first1=Aaron-Matthew |title=Balikatan 2024 Kicks Off with Maiden French Participation |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/balikatan-2024-kicks-off-with-maiden-french-participation/ |website=Naval News |access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref><ref name="PTV">{{cite news |title=Gunnery exercise conducted during end of multilateral maritime exercise |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUErKsSw-SQ |access-date=29 April 2024 |agency=People's Television Network |date=29 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cupin |first1=Bea |title=IN PHOTOS: PH, US, French navies hold maritime drills during Balikatan 2024 |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/photos-united-states-french-navies-maritime-exercise-balikatan-2024/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |agency=Rappler |date=26 April 2024}}</ref>


===Search and rescue===
===Search and rescue===
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<gallery class="center" widths="187px" heights="167px">
<gallery class="center" widths="187px" heights="167px">


File:Philippine frigates with USS John S. McCain (DDg-56) in June 2014.JPG|thumb|BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PF-16) with {{ship|BRP|Gregorio del Pilar|PF-15|6}} and US Navy {{USS|John S. McCain|DDG-56|6}} during [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training|CARAT Philippines 2014]].
File:Philippine frigates with USS John S. McCain (DDg-56) in June 2014.JPG|BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PF-16) with {{ship|BRP|Gregorio del Pilar|PF-15|6}} and US Navy {{USS|John S. McCain|DDG-56|6}} during [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training|CARAT Philippines 2014]].
File:BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Tarlac at MTA Sama-Sama 2018 002.jpg|BRP ''Tarlac'' (LD-601) and BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PS-16) sail in formation during the at-sea portion of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama 2018.
File:BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Tarlac at MTA Sama-Sama 2018 002.jpg|BRP ''Tarlac'' (LD-601) and BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' (PS-16) sail in formation during the at-sea portion of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama 2018.
File:Balikatan 2019 US Forces Conduct Combined VBSS Drills Image 6 of 6.jpg|BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' in VBSS operations during Balikatan 2019.
File:Balikatan 2019 US Forces Conduct Combined VBSS Drills Image 6 of 6.jpg|BRP ''Ramon Alcaraz'' in VBSS operations during Balikatan 2019.

Latest revision as of 15:34, 8 November 2024

BRP Ramon Alcaraz before the installation of the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 25 mm autocannons.
History
United States
NameUSCGC Dallas
BuilderAvondale Shipyards
LaunchedOctober 1, 1966
CommissionedMarch 11, 1968
DecommissionedMarch 30, 2012
IdentificationWHEC-716
FateTransferred to Philippine Navy
Philippines
NameBRP Ramon Alcaraz
NamesakeRamon Abacan Alcaraz
AcquiredMay 22, 2012
CommissionedNovember 22, 2013
Maiden voyageJune 10, 2013
Identification
Nickname(s)BRP Monching
StatusIn active service
Badge
General characteristics
Class and typeGregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship
Displacement3,250 tons
Length378 ft (115.2 m)
Beam43 ft (13.1 m)
Draft15 ft (4.6 m)
Propulsion
Speed29 kn (53.7 km/h; 33.4 mph) via twin gas-turbines[2]
Range12,500 nmi (23,200 km; 14,400 mi) @ 12 kn (22 kph; 14 mph)[2] via diesel
Endurance45 days
Boats & landing
craft carried		2 × RHIBs
Complement80
Sensors and
processing systems
  • CMS:
    Naval Shield Baseline 2 integrated combat management system
  • Main radar:
    SeaGIRAFFE AMB (USN designation: AN/SPS-77) multi-role 3D air-&-surface search-&-track naval radar
  • Secondary radars:
    SharpEye Mk.2 X-band (25kW) & S-band (200W) solid-state pulse-Doppler navigation & surface-search radars
  • Fire Control:
    USN Mk.92 Mod.1 fire-control system[1] by Sperry
  • Optronic sensors:
    SeaFLIR 230 color TV camera, low-light camera, thermal imager, LRF, laser pointer, NVIS
  • Sonar:
    ELAC Hunter 2.0 underkeel dome sonar
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armament
ArmorCBRNE defense system[5]
Aircraft carried1 × AW109E Power light multi-role naval helicopter[6]
Aviation facilities
  • helideck
  • hangar: partly-fixed and partly-retractable
Notessteel hull, aluminium superstructure

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) is the second ship of the Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ships of the Philippine Navy. From 1968 to 2012, she was known as USCGC Dallas and served the United States Coast Guard as a high endurance cutter. She was decommissioned on 30 March 2012 and acquired by the Philippines under the Excess Defense Articles and the Foreign Assistance Act.[7][8]

She is named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Filipino Naval officer and World War II hero best known for receiving a Silver Star for heroism and gallantry during World War II. He is also known for being one of the first officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to criticize the Marcos dictatorship, and for the proposal which made him the father of the Philippine Marine Corps.[9][10]

In 2012, she was originally designated as "PF-16" i.e. patrol frigate. In mid-2016, the Navy adopted a new code designation system, leading to her being re-designated as "FF-16" i.e. frigate. In 2019 February, the Navy downgraded the status of the entire class from frigate to patrol ship and redesignated her as "PS-16".[11]

Design

[edit]

The ship was designed with a high level of habitability and provides fairly comfortable accommodations, including air conditioning.[12]

Propulsion

[edit]

The Ramon Alcaraz employs the shipboard application of aircraft gas turbine jet engines with the use of controllable pitch propellers. She is equipped with two 18,000 horsepower (13,000 kW) Pratt & Whitney[2] gas turbines and can propel the ship at speeds up to 29 knots (54 km/h; 33 mph). The Ramon Alcaraz also has two 3,500 horsepower (2,600 kW) Fairbanks-Morse[2] diesel engines, capable of driving the ship economically at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) for up to 12,500 nmi (23,200 km; 14,400 mi) without refueling.[2] A retractable/rotatable bow propulsion unit provides manoeuvrability in tight situations.

Armament

[edit]

Prior to turn-over to the Philippine Navy, the ship was armed with a Mk.75 Oto Melara 76 mm Compact main gun, two Mk.38 25 mm Bushmaster chain guns at midships, and a Phalanx CIWS system aft.[2] The CIWS and chain guns were removed prior to its turn-over, with the Mk.75 gun remaining.[13]

The Philippine Navy then purchased two new Mk.38 Mod.2 25 mm Bushmaster Autocannons to replace the mounts removed by the US Coast Guard.[13] These were already installed as of January 25, 2015.[4]

Flight support

[edit]

Ramon Alcaraz has a flight deck and hangar capable of handling helicopters.

A newly acquired naval helicopter (an AgustaWestland AW109 Power) made its shipboard deployment on May 21, 2014.[6]

Modernization

[edit]

The Philippine Navy plans to modernize the entire ship of the class, with an initial program to upgrade the ship's sensors, and another program to improve its weapon systems.

Several systems were acquired through US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF), which includes the BAE Systems Mk. 38 Mod. 2 machine gun system (already installed), the SAAB AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe AMB 3D air/surface search radar,[14][15] and the FLIR Systems SeaFLIR 230 Electro-Optical/Infra-Red Camera.[16]

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy will launch a program to acquire, install and integrate several other sensors into the ship, as part of the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. Among those to be acquired are new Combat Management System (CMS), Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS), and a Radar Electronic Support Measures (R-ESM).[17]

Future upgrades are planned to install defensive and offensive missile systems, as well as torpedo weapon system,[18] although funding is still being secured and might only be included in the next phase of the Navy's modernization program.

In 2020 October 14, Navy chief Giovanni Carlo Bacordo revealed the completion of the 3D modeling program for the entire ship class' cabling systems to be used for their electronic upgrades (CMS + 4 sensors), indicating the project is at least running despite the covid-19 pandemic.[19]

History

[edit]

US Coast Guard service and transfer to the Philippine Navy

[edit]
See also: USCGC Dallas (WHEC-716)

The ship was first launched in 1968 and served for decades as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC-716) before being given to the Philippines.

The ship was scheduled to be transferred to the Philippines as an excess defense article through the Foreign Assistance Act via a "hot transfer" in May 2012.[20] The Dallas was formally decommissioned on 30 March 2012, and the US Coast Guard removed the ship's guns and other equipment.[21]

On 6 May 2012 during the 70th commemoration of the Fall of Bataan, President Benigno Aquino III announced the naming of the ex-USCGC Dallas to BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) in honor of the World War II hero and officer of the Philippine Navy. Commodore Ramon "Monching" Alcaraz commanded one of the Philippine Offshore Patrol's Q-boat Q-112 Abra during World War II which shot down 3 Japanese aircraft.[22]

The ex-Dallas was formally transferred to the Philippine government on 22 May 2012 during a ceremony at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Pier Papa in North Charleston, South Carolina. The ship was turned over to its Filipino crew, with Capt. Ernesto Baldovino as its first commanding officer.[21][23][24] The ship's crew had been in the US for several weeks prior to the transfer for training aboard other Hamilton-class ships operated by the US Coast Guard.[25] Ramon Alcaraz was scheduled to be refitted at the expense of the Philippine Navy prior to sailing to the Philippines. The ship's transfer cost was pegged at Php 450 million (around US$10 million as of 2012), while operation costs will be similar to its sister ship, BRP Gregorio del Pilar.[26] An additional US$5 million was allocated for installation of additional equipment, different from her sister ship Gregorio del Pilar.[27] The ship will have better fire control and weapons systems than Gregorio del Pilar.[28]

The ship was originally expected to leave Charleston, South Carolina for the Philippines in January 2013 but it was delayed.[27][28][29] The ship finally departed Charleston harbor at 10:00 AM on 10 June 2013. She reached the Atlantic-side entrance of the Panama Canal and crossed its entire stretch on 17 June. Ramon Alcaraz continued her journey across the Pacific Ocean and was scheduled for port visits at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam in Hawaii, and at Guam.[30] before reaching Manila by 3 August 2013.[31]

On August 1, 2013, Ramon Alcaraz entered Philippine waters.[32] Her official arrival ceremony was held Subic Bay on August 6.[33][34] On November 22, 2013, she was commissioned as BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) at Pier 15 in Manila's South Harbor.[35][36]

After commissioning, she sailed to Tacloban City to transport about 200 tons of relief goods, water purification systems, and navy personnel who helped with relief efforts following Typhoon Haiyan.[35][36]

Around mid-2016, the Philippine Navy started calling the ship in its new code designation FF-16, together with its sister ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar which was re-designated as FF-15, and the upcoming BRP Andres Bonifacio designated as FF-17.[37]

In March 2017, the Philippine Navy sent the Ramon Alcaraz to patrol the Benham Rise, which is part of Philippine territorial waters, after a Chinese survey ship was sighted in the area for several days.[38][39]

Middle East and Indian Ocean deployment

[edit]

In January 2020, Naval Task Force (NTF) 82, which was composed of BRP Ramon Alcaraz and the landing dock BRP Davao del Sur, were deployed to the Middle East to repatriate overseas Filipino workers there during the 2019-2020 Persian Gulf crisis between the United States and Iran.[40] The two naval ships arrived in Muscat, Oman on February 6 after a layover in Sri Lanka, but tensions in the Gulf region have already eased by that date and were told by Philippine Navy officials to stay put.[41] They left Oman on April 21 and arrived in Cochin, India on May 6. They picked up some 200,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPEs) donated by a Filipino donor who sources masks from India. They also picked up Filipinos stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic.[42]

On the evening of May 7, 2020, a fire broke out in the engine room of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz shortly after it left the port of Cochin, India. The fire, which lasted for 10 minutes, was extinguished by the crew members. Two enlisted men suffered second degree burns and were airlifted to a naval hospital in Cochin for "extensive medical attention".[43] The ship stayed in Cochin for an additional 21 days and, with the help of the US Naval Sea Systems Command, conducted assessment and minor repair to ensure functionality and safety of the proplusion system for the trip back to the Philippines, where additional repairs will be done.[44]

On May 27, 2020, the two ships left Cochin after the minor repairs were completed. They arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 29 to pick up 12 stranded Filipino overseas workers and tourists.[45] They left the port of Colombo midnight of May 31 for their voyage back to the Philippines. The two ships joined the country in celebrating its 122nd Independence Day as both entered Manila Bay on Friday, June 12.[46]

Philippine Navy chief, VAdm. Giovanni Bacordo, said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz underwent major checks and repairs from the fire damage since it arrived last June 12.[47] The repairs were conducted by US Naval Sea Systems Command personnel, local contractors, and crew members aboard. When the repairs were completed, the ship conducted sea trials from September 8 to 9, 2020 off the waters of Zambales according to Navy public affairs officer Lt. Cdr. Maria Christina Roxas.[48] The sea trial conducted all the systems and machinery tests that were probably affected during the fire incident. The BRP Ramon Alcaraz was deemed ready for deployment by Philippine Navy following its successful sea trials.[48]

Notable operational deployments

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Exercises

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  • The ship, together with its sister ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS-15) participated in joint naval maneuvers as part of CARAT 2014 Philippines from June 26 to July 1, 2014. It was scheduled to conduct exercises on gunnery, combined air, surface, anti-submarine operations at sea.[49]
  • The ship, together with a naval AW109E helicopter (serial PNH-431), traveled to Northern Australia as a major participant in the KAKADU 2014 Multi-lateral Naval Exercises hosted by the Australian Defence Force from August 25 to September 12, 2014.[50] The ship's crew also participated in boarding training with the Australian Navy before the actual sea-phase of the exercises.[51]
  • During the first week of May 2018, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz participated in the Exercise Balikatan 34-2018 with US Forces together with the BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602).[52]
  • In the third week of May 2018, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz conducted joint training with HMAS Anzac (FFH 150) around the waters of Negros Island for Exercise Lumbas 2018, a joint Maritime Training Activity between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Philippine Navy.[53]

Search and rescue

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  • In February 2019, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz fetched two Filipino Fishermen from Parola Island in the Southeast Asia Sea who were earlier reported to have jumped from FV Thanksgiving 5 after experiencing maltreatment from the head of the crew. The Fishermen were then rescued by the Vietnam People's Navy and later bought to Parola Island. The Fishermen were able to return safely to their families in Occidental Mindoro.[62]
[edit]
  • BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) with BRP Gregorio del Pilar and US Navy USS John S. McCain during CARAT Philippines 2014.
    BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) with BRP Gregorio del Pilar and US Navy USS John S. McCain during CARAT Philippines 2014.
  • BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) sail in formation during the at-sea portion of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama 2018.
    BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) sail in formation during the at-sea portion of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama 2018.
  • BRP Ramon Alcaraz in VBSS operations during Balikatan 2019.
    BRP Ramon Alcaraz in VBSS operations during Balikatan 2019.

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Saunders, Stephen: Jane's Fighting Ships 107th Edition 2004–2005. Jane's Information Group Ltd, 2004.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "WHEC 378' Hamilton class". GlobalSecurity.org. 2005-04-27. Archived from the original on 2012-12-20. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  3. ^ a b "Navy ship to get new weapons systems". philstar.com. 2012-10-29. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
  4. ^ a b "Finally, the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz got its Mk.38 Mod.2 Guns". 2015-01-25. Retrieved 2015-01-26.
  5. ^ "BRP Jose Rizal crew protected from chemical, nuclear attack". pna.gov.ph. 28 February 2020. This ability is also present in the 3 Del Pilar-class
  6. ^ a b PNA with Camille Diola (June 25, 2014). "New Navy attack helicopters to join first naval maneuvers". Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  7. ^ "US government to hand over second ship to Philippines". Philstar.com. 2012-02-09. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  8. ^ "AFP eyeing 2 more second-hand US ships". ABS-CBN News. 2011-04-26. Archived from the original on 2012-07-31. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
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  37. ^ USCG Boutwell to be formally transferred to PN, to be renamed BRP Andres Bonifacio[permanent dead link‍]
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  48. ^ a b "BRP Ramon Alcaraz ready for deployment after sea trials: Navy". Philippine News Agency. September 11, 2020.
  49. ^ Philippines and US to conduct CARAT 2014 near South China Sea
  50. ^ Philippine Navy Sends Alcaraz for Biggest Aussie War Games Archived 2016-08-26 at the Wayback Machine
  51. ^ "Australian and Philippine Navies Conduct Boarding Training Together in Darwin". Archived from the original on 2014-09-07. Retrieved 2014-09-01.
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  53. ^ ""LUMBAS 2018 | PN, RAN Conducts Combined Maritime Training". Archived from the original on 2018-06-06. Retrieved 2018-06-06.
  54. ^ "US & Philippines Strengthen Alliance with Maritime Training Activity 2018"
  55. ^ "PH, Aussie Navies to Hold Maritime Security Activity in Palawan"
  56. ^ ""Navy Team Sails Back to PH after Joining Aussie Maritime Exercise"". Archived from the original on 2018-09-24. Retrieved 2018-09-24.
  57. ^ "LOOK: BRP Alcaraz Fires 15 Rounds of TP Ammunition"
  58. ^ "Philippines, Indonesia kick off coordinated Border Naval Patrol"
  59. ^ Lariosa, Aaron-Matthew. "Balikatan 2024 Kicks Off with Maiden French Participation". Naval News. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
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  62. ^ "NAVFORWEST receives 2 Pinoy Fishermen rescued by Vietnamese Navy"
[edit]
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