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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lorenzana leads exhibit of military assets in Bataan

Lorenzana leads exhibit of military assets in Bataan

Published Dec 15, 2020 03:15 pm

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will conduct a fleet review and wing flyby to showcase the military's current roster of ships, choppers, and land vehicles -- including the newly purchased equipment under the revised modernization program -- in a ceremony to be held in Morong, Bataan on Wednesday.

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will spearhead the AFP's fleet review, a traditional gathering of ships, which will be conducted in connection with the military's 85th founding anniversary that carries the theme, “Pinag-isang Lakas na Maaasahan ng Pilipino.”

"Gusto natin ipakita 'yung joint participation ng lahat ng mga major services into one so parang it's a sort of a training na rin on our part (We want to show the joint participation of all the major services into one so it's like a sort of a training on our part)," said Lieutenant Commander Maria Christina Roxas, director of the naval public affairs office.

A total of 63 air and naval assets will participate in the fleet review which will be lead by the Philippine Navy's brand new frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), along with patrol ships BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35).

The Navy will also parade its landing dock BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), heavy landing craft BRP Batak (LC-299), patrol craft BRP Abraham Campo (PC-396), and presidential yacht BRP Ang Pangulo (AT-25).

Meanwhile, the BRP Batak will carry the Philippine Army's Simba, an armored personnel carrier, and the Philippine Marine Corps' V-150 light armored vehicle during the fleet review.

Three dozens of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft will also join the event which will be bannered by three FA-50 fighter jets, two Agusta Westland (AW) 159 and three AW109 helicopters, and two Black Hawk choppers that were recently delivered to the Philippine Air Force.

Lorenzana will board the landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601) where he will witness the activities that will be conducted by the participating assets while they were sailing.

The Defense Chief is expected to be accompanied by top military officers including AFP Chief General Gilbert Gapay; Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, Navy Flag Officer in Command; Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, Air Force Commanding General; and Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army Commanding General.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Roxas, the Philippine Navy has participated in a number of international fleet reviews in the past.

However, she noted that this will be the first time that the AFP will hold a fleet review in the country where all the assets acquired by the military under the Horizons 1 and 2 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program will be showcased to the public.

The last domestic fleet review held by the AFP was made during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. several decades ago before the AFP modernization program was first implemented in 1995.

Back in May, the Philippine Navy was supposed to host for the first time the International Fleet Review where warships from around 30 countries were scheduled to gather in Manila. However, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roxas said the AFP fleet review and flyby will serve as a confidence booster for the troops and the public that the military is continuously upgrading and modernizing to fulfill its mandate of protecting the public and the State.

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