ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 26 (PIA) – Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) sailed from Manila for the province of Palawan on December 23, 2011 for her first deployment as a warship of the Philippine Navy. The 6th Ciovil Relations Group of the AFP said in a press release the Weather High Endurance Cutter will augment the naval security in the Malampaya Oil Fields and in other service contract areas west of Palawan.
The military said PF-15 is the newest patrol frigate of the Philippine Navy. She has a length of 378 feet and beam of 42 feet. She can sustain a month-long mission without re-provisioning. The ship has a compliment of 18 officers and 144 enlisted personnel.
As part of Naval Forces West’s naval assets, PF-15’s primary role as a multi-mission vessel is the conduct of maritime security patrols and search and rescue missions.
PF-15 was transferred to the Philippine Navy by the U.S. Coast Guard on May 13, 2011. BRP Gregorio del Pilar was commissioned and christened into the naval service last December 14, 2011 at Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila with His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III gracing the occasion. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)