PH Navy receives 2 supply vessels from Australia

Philippine Navy vessels (Facebook photo)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy formally accepted two Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) ships from Australia on Thursday. Both supply vessels, which can carry up to 180 tons of cargo, were expected to boost the country’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Australia held a commissioning ceremony, wherein Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan and Royal Australian Navy chief Vice Admiral Tim Barret signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the turnover of the two ships.

“Vice Admiral Millan conveyed his gratitude to the Australian government and to the RAN for the generous donation saying that the two LCHs will certainly boost the capability of the PN to transport personnel, equipment and aid during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations,” Naval Public Affairs Office director Commander Lued Lincuna said.

Former Royal Australian Navy vessels HMAS Tarakan and Brunei, both ships were given to the Philippines equipped with equipments and spare parts.

“Extremely versatile vessels, [these ships are] capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore,” the Australian Embassy said in a statement.

“[These vessels can also] deliver personnel and equipment to areas otherwise unreachable especially during HADR operations,” the embassy added, referring to relief operations carried out after natural disasters.

The supply vessels have already started their journey towards the Philippine seas and are expected to dock in the country next week.