BRP Gregorio del Pilar misses Continuous Maintenance Availability, Emphasizes Need of Philippine Navy for More Warships

Last April 23, 2017, the Philippine Navy's Del Pilar-class frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15) was relieved of its duties with the Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST) to undergo a Continuous Maintenance Availability in Subic, Zambales. She was replaced by her sistership BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) who just came back from Langkawi, Malaysia after attending LIMA 2017 as the Philippines' representative to the event.

A few days later, MaxDefense received confirmation from its sources that BRP Gregorio del Pilar will be the Philippines' representative in the 50th Anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), which will hold its 1st Maritime Review, and will also be present at IMDEX Asia 2017 defense exhibition in Changi Naval Base, which coincides with the maritime review. The ship held its send-off ceremonies yesterday, May 6, 2017.

This means that BRP Gregorio del Pilar will not be able to go for its scheduled maintenance, and instead will be deployed to Singapore.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar during CARAT 2014.
Original photo taken from US Navy via Wikimedia Commons.

Continuous Maintenance Availability:

Every few years, a ship enters what we call a Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAv), which is a maintenance procedure that can be done without the need for dry docking, and involves refreshing the ship's physical appearance, repairing or maintaining minor systems, conducting tests and maintenance of its machinery and electrical systems, and if possible, conduct upgrades.

MaxDefense believes that the scheduled CMAv on BRP Gregorio del Pilar is not the first time scheduled by the Philippine Navy since the ship was commissioned to service 6 years ago, and this is actually its second time to have CMAv as a Philippine Navy ship.

Also, this is not the first time the ship skipped its scheduled CMAv. MaxDefense sources confirmed that FF-15 has not been able to commit to its CMAv schedules due to operational deployments, mostly in support of patrols in the West Philippine Sea area.



BRP Gregorio del Pilar Skips CMAv:

The scheduled CMAv on FF-15 was actually planned as early as last year, so any deviation to the plan should have been made earlier if the ship is in need to reschedule its CMAv. But from April 23 to somewhere between April 29 to 30, changes were made by the Philippine Navy. That is not normal for a sudden change of plan, and it is possible that there should have been another ship originally scheduled to attend the activities in Singapore.

Send-off and arrival ceremonies for BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), respectively, from assignment with NAVFORWEST, as FF-15 goes for its supposed CMAv.
Photo taken from NAVFORWEST's FB page. 

Being the current chairman of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines has committed to play an active role in different regional activities, and that includes the Philippine Navy, which was confirmed by its Flag Officer in Command (FOIC), Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph S. Mercado during an interview @ LIMA 2017. This means that there is no way for the PN to miss this event in Singapore, and has to do everything in its capacity to send a ship to represent the country.

MaxDefense believes that there are no available ships in the fleet to attend the Singapore activities, and it has to make changes on BRP Gregorio del Pilar's schedules to allow such deployment. This actually supports MaxDefense's earlier statements that the Philippine Navy is in need for more ships in its fleet at the fastest possible time.

PN FOIC VAdm. Mercado during his interview with Malaysian media wherein he stated the PN's commitment for active participation and leadership in regional naval events this year, in line with the Philippines' chairmanship of ASEAN.
Photo taken from the PN's FB page.

Missed Installation of Mk. 38 Mod. 3 Machine Gun System:

The CMAv schedule for BRP Gregorio del Pilar was supposed to include the installation of a new weapons system, which is the Mk. 38 Mod. 3 machine gun system (MGS), which was ordered under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme with the US Navy since 2015. MaxDefense posted a blog entry regarding this development last month.

The MGS were delivered to the Philippines a few days ago, and installation of the entire system will take several days. This should have made the BRP Gregorio del Pilar the second Del Pilar-class frigate to have an automated Mk. 38 system as part of its capability. Currently, the ship is equipped with a manually operated Mk. 38 Mod. 1 at the tail end, and two manually operated 20mm Oerlikon guns at midships. The Mk.38 Mod. 3 will replace the Oerlikon guns.

Although the report from the US mentioned that the Mk. 38 Mod. 3 will be the 25mm caliber variant, MaxDefense there is a possibility for the Philippine Navy to have chosen the larger 30mm caliber variant. It may seem like a new caliber for the Navy, but it makes sense since the new frigate ordered from HHI were specified to have a 30mm machine gun system as well, making its availability inevitable.

This delivery means that the Mk. 38 Mod. 3 ordered by the Philippine Navy in 2016 will probably be for BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), and is scheduled for delivery next year.

MaxDefense sources confirmed that FF-15 will finally have its CMAv once it arrives from Singapore late this month, including the installation of the Mk. 38 Mod. 3 gun system, and will probably be out of action for several weeks.

The Mk. 38 Mod. 3 machine gun system intended for the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15) is already waiting to be installed. The skipping of the ship's CMAv means the installation of this system will be delayed for a while.

Need for More Navy Ships:

Currently the Philippine Navy only has 15 major surface combatants in its fleet, composed of three (3) Del Pilar-class frigates, one (1) Cannon-class destroyer escort, two (2) Rizal-class, three (3) Jacinto-class, five (5) Malvar-class, and one (1) Cyclone-class patrol vessels.

The Cannon-class destroyer escort, BRP Rajah Humabon (FF-11), is currently used as a training vessel and is only used for patrol, training, and ceremonial purposes within the Manila-Subic area.

The BRP Rajah Humabon (FF-11) is currently in reduced operational capability and is being used as a training and ceremonial ship. It is expected to be the next ship to be retired by the Philippine Navy.
Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons.

The three Jacinto-class are mostly on port, also on their CMAv schedules, as upgrades are being made on its combat systems (JCPV Upgrade Phase 3A and 3B) and machinery system (JCPV Upgrade Phase 2 for PS-37). With the number of patrol ships going down as BRP Iloilo was retired from service in September 2016, there has no direct replacement made until now for these ageing patrol ships.

The only confirmed ship coming in within this year is the Pohang-class corvette, the former ROKS Chung Ju (PCC-762), whose crew will be coming in from different ships of the Philippine Fleet but mostly with experience with the Del Pilar-class frigates. There is no confirmation yet that the Philippine Navy will receive more Pohang-class ships from South Korea, although the MaxDefense sources confirmed that the Philippine Navy is actually pursuing to have at least three (3) ships of the class, depending on availability and approval of the South Korea government.

The only confirmed incoming warship as of now is the Pohang-class Flight III corvette ROKS Chung Ju (PCC-762) which is set to arrive in the Philippines by 4th quarter of 2017.

MaxDefense has also recommended the acquisition of the Joao Coutinho-class patrol vessels of the Portuguese Navy as a short-term solution to allow the retirement of more ageing Malvar-class ships, in which two are available for transfer anytime and has already been inspected by a team from the Philippine Navy. MaxDefense was informed that another inspection will be taking place soon, and will probably the final one before a decision is made to take in or turn down the acquisition plan. Should this offer be taken, the Philippine Navy may also opt to take a third ship, which is still in service with the Portuguese Navy but will be retired soon.

MaxDefense previously mentioned about the interests of the Philippine Navy in acquiring the Joao Coutinho-class patrol vessels of the Portuguese Navy. Up until now, the PN has not made any finality in its decision if they will or will not acquire the ships, two of which are available for grabs anytime.
Photo taken from MilitaryToday.com.

Americans Watching:

MaxDefense also received information that the assets that the US government provided are actually being monitored by the US government, specifically by JUSMAG Philippines. The feedback MaxDefense received is that they are concerned about the Philippine Navy's decision to skip the ship's CMAv, which makes them think that the Philippine Navy is not taking care of the assets being provided by the US to them. This might affect any future decision by the US government to provide assets to the Philippine Navy.

MaxDefense believes that this is actually a double edged sword. While it appears that the PN is getting a negative rating on maintenance of US-provided assets, it also allows the PN to support its request to be provided with more assets to allow the PN to meet all its operational requirements without pushing its ships beyond the limits. Based on previous information we received, the Philippine Navy is actually interested in acquiring a 4th Hamilton-class cutter from the US Coast Guard, while also looking at the possibility of acquiring more capable ships like the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, or any of its sub-class including the Adelaide-class frigates of the Royal Australian Navy.



Doing the Math:

As mentioned above, the Philippine Navy has fifteen (15) major surface combatants. Eight (8) of them are World War 2-era ships that need to be replaced by 2020, according to the Philippine Navy's own Sail Plan. That means there are only seven (7) ships (Del Pilar-class, Jacinto-class, and Cyclone-class) that will remain in service past 2020.

Just to keep up with the numbers, it means the Philippine Navy need to have 8 replacement ships by 2020. So far only 1 is confirmed coming (ex-ROKS Chung Ju). So we still need 7. If the PN opts to get the 2 Joao Coutinho-class patrol vessels that are currently on offer, the requirement is still 5 ships. The frigates awarded to Hyundai Heavy Industries only confirmed that one will be delivered by 2020, although MaxDefense believes that it won't be in service immediately. The other frigate will be delivered by 2021. If that goes according to plan, the requirement is still for 4 ships.

For Horizon 2, the Philippine Navy has requested for 4 new frigates, and 6 new Multirole Patrol Vessels/Offshore Patrol Vessels. Its still to be seen if an order will be made by 2018 or 2019, but if the Philippine Navy goes for the same bidding process as usual, expect an award 3 years after the bidding starts, so thats probably after 2020. Same is true for any additional frigates aside from those ordered from HHI. It means that new assets won't be able to replace the outgoing assets within the 2020 deadline, putting the PN at risk of reduced naval capability between 2020 and 2022-2023 should the PN strictly implement the retirement deadline.

Aside from replacing the World War 2-era warships, MaxDefense believes, and as discussed on the earlier pages of this blog, that the Philippine Navy needs more ships to also increase the ship numbers in the fleet to allow for greater presence in Philippine waters, and faster response to any requirement for naval support.

Used ships acquired to replace the World War 2 assets will remain in service beyond Horizon 2, allowing the PN to at least have the greater number it needs. If all procurement proposals MaxDefense made, and all other procurement plans go according to planned (which MaxDefense highly doubts), the Philippine Navy will have the following assets by 2025: 2 HHI-built frigates, 3 Del Pilar-class frigates, 2 to 4 new OPV/MRPV, 3 Pohang-class, 3 Joao Coutinho-class, 3 upgraded Jacinto-class, and 1 Cyclone-class. That's 17 to 19 ships, or just a little over the current numbers - still below the numbers that MaxDefense believes could make a difference to meet future requirements. This ship list is already the "best" option, meaning all options on Pohang, Joao Coutinho, and new OPVs were made.


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With this, MaxDefense's previous recommendations stand, that the Philippine Navy should consider acquiring used but still useful warships from friendly countries as a stop-gap measure to replace the World War 2-era warships in its fleet, and as a short to medium-term measure to increase the number of ships available for the Philippine Navy and increase its capability to meet all its requirements.

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Is the Philippine Navy's BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) having its Mk.38 Mod.2 guns installed soon?

One of our MaxDefense reader recently confirmed that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), the Philippine Navy's flagship, is currently dry-docked in Subic Freeport. According to him (who wishes to remain anonymous), the ship has already been in dry dock for the past 2 to 3 months, and was docked for some time in Subic before entering dry dock. 

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), the Philippine Navy's flagship. The Navy is planning to have Mk.38 Mod.2 secondary 25mm autocannons fitted on the ship soon.

Below are photos he took recently, and although the dry dock is far from his point of view, it is very obvious that the ship inside the dry dock is indeed a Gregorio del Pilar-class / Hamilton-class ship. To the untrained eyes, the double mast can be clearly seen on the first photo.

Both photos taken recently were taken at Subic Freeport. Although very small, it shows the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) dry docked.
Photo taken and shared by one of MaxDefense readers.

Several months ago (last year), MaxDefense posted a news article from PTV-4 and Philippine News Agency (PNA) regarding the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and its new Mk.38 Mod.2 25mm remote weapons station. In that article, it confirmed that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar was scheduled for dry docking betweem February and June of 2015. This might be the scheduled dry docking indicated in the said news report. It is also impossible for its sistership, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, to be dry docked this time as it just recently had its turn late last year.

The interesting part is that the report confirmed that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar is also scheduled to have Mk.38 Mod.2 25mm RWS installed during its dry docking. Originally, reports surfacing about the Philippine Navy acquiring Mk.38 Mod.2 guns from BAE was only for 2 units. So far, 2 units were already installed on the BRP Ramon Alcaraz last year.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) already got its Mk.38 Mod.2 guns last year, and both guns were visible during its port visit to Cebu early this year.
Photo above taken from Timawa.net, photo below taken by an anonymous MaxDefense reader.

So did the Philippine Navy receive 2 more Mk.38 Mod.2 guns from the US? If yes, are the guns being installed on the PN's flagship now?

Only time will tell. It is expected that the PN will be bringing out the ship to the public again once it goes back to sea. And by then we can confirm 100% if such upgrade is indeed made on the ship.



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UPDATES:
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May 11, 2015:
The Philippine News Agency released an updated, as reported here by PTV News, confirming the undocking of BRP Gregorio del Pilar within this week. But it did not confirm the installation of any new system to the ship other than "preserve hull condition and servicing of machineries" which is typical to any drydocking activity.

MaxDefense will wait for any new information or photos after the drydocking which will confirm if there are anything new on the ship or not.

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Finally, the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz got its Mk.38 Mod.2 Guns

After a long wait, the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) finally got its 25mm Mk. 38 Mod. 2 close-in weapons system installed. It was reported more than a year ago that the PN's foremost naval asset will be receiving these 25mm gun weapon stations after a US report that there were 2 orders for the systems for the Philippine Navy. This is the Philippine Navy's first Mk. 38 Mod. 2 system, and the first Hamilton-class ship to have such mount.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz in Cebu. For those with very good eyesight, the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 gun platform on the port side can be seen on this angle. It is just behind the red-colored RHIB.
Photo taken from Cebu Daily News / Inquirer.net

Since the report regarding the acquisition of this gun system involves only for 2 units, it was even anticipated that the PN would either arm one gun system each to the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, or only 1 of the ships will have both guns. Previous statements coming from Navy officials even pointed out that the older Gregorio del Pilar was the chosen ship to get both guns, without mention if the Ramon Alcaraz will also be getting as well.

The actual Mk.38 Mod.2 gun on BRP Ramon Alcaraz. This looks like on the starboard side.
Photo taken from Geminirecon @ Timawa Forum.

The port side of the ship also shows the presence of the Mk.38 Mod.2 weapons mount.
Thanks to one of our MaxDefense reader who wants to remain anonymous, who went inside the ship and took some photos.

Rear photo of the gun showing the ammunition loading system.
Photo shared by a MaxDefense reader.

But here we now have some evidence that the BRP Ramon Alcaraz was indeed fitted with the guns. Several online social media sources, including those from MaxDefense readers who shared their photos confirming that there are indeed 2 guns in the said ship, both fitted on the midship port and starboard deck sides. The ships was available for viewing to the public as it was docked in Cebu after providing naval and air security during Pope Francis' visit in Tacloban City last week.

An Mk. 38 Mod.2 weapons system installed on a US Navy vessel.
Photo taken from Wikimedia,

It is worth noting that aside from the Oto Melara 76mm Compact main gun, the PF-16 has no other weapons before the installation of the 25mm chain guns other than several 50-caliber machine guns. Meanwhile its sistership PF-15 has two 20mm gun at the superstructure midships and a manually-operated Mk.38 Mod.0 chain gun at the ship's tail end.



The BAE-Rafael Mark 38 Mod. 2 Close-in Weapons System:
For the uninitiated, the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 gun system is a remote manually controlled 25mm gun station commonly found on US Navy ships. Produced by BAE Systems and Rafael and of Israel, two units were ordered as part of a larger order made by the US Navy. This is the newer and remote-control capable version of the Mk. 38 Mod. 0 gun system which is used by the Philippine Navy on several of its Andrada-class patrol boats, the Cyclone-class BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez, and the secondary gun mounted on the aft of the PF-15. It uses a 25mm Bushmaster M242 chain gun and was designed to protect the ship at close range from small fast surface and slow aerial threats. US Coast Guard personnel were reportedly part of the installation team as the PN doesn't have the adequate experience to do the job on their own. For further information, MaxDefense recommends the manufacturer's website (link HERE).

A closer look of the PN's new Mk.38 Mod.2 gun mounted on the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
Thumbs up to the PN and to our friend who went there and share these photos to us.

Each of the gun mount has its own EO system that allows the gun to be used on day & night and all weather conditions. Controls of the gun is done on a console with its own video feed screen, and the gun is trainable by joysticks. 

An example of what the Mk.38 Mod.2 control console looks like.

Aside from the Mk. 38 Mod. 2, the other remote-operated close-in weapons system the Philippine Navy currently uses is the MSI 25mm Seahawk mounted on the Jacinto-class patrol corvettes, which also uses the same 25mm M242 Bushmaster gun.

With the entry of this system into the Philippine Navy, it is expected that the same system might be acquired to arm several types of upcoming ships, including the Strategic Sealift Vessel which has already started construction and requires at least 2 mounts per ship, and the new light frigates which are being tendered. 


Other Interesting Finds on the Ship:
Aside from the installed guns, there are other points of interest that MaxDefense wants to share here:

A photo of the display console of the ship's Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital surface search and navigation radar system was also made available again. Until more capable radar systems become available for the ship, this would remain as the main eyes of the ship. 

A PN crew member discuss the use of the surface radar display console to the visitors.
Photo shared by one of our MaxDefense readers who wants to remain anonymous.

Another interesting photo involves the shipboard AW-109 naval helicopter. It appears to be a normal now to see the helicopters paired together with the frigates. It may also be interesting to take note on how the aircraft is restrained on the flight deck when not in use. 

The AgustaWestland AW-109 Power naval helicopter on the ship's flight deck.
Photo shared by one of MaxDefense's readers.

Finally, although already confirmed before, the Philippine Navy has changed the Philippine Fleet's sub-unit's name where the frigates are assigned under their recently made restructuring program based on capability. Previously known as Patrol Force, it is now known as the Offshore Combat Force, in anticipation of the greater role the unit will undertake in the near future as more assets arrive. Its logo can been seen on the PF-16's superstructure near the Mk.38 Mod.2 guns. The other Philippine Fleet units that were also renamed as the Littoral Combat Force (formerly the Coastal Patrol Force), and the Sealift & Amphibious Force(formerly the Service Force).




With the BRP Ramon Alcaraz having its close-in gun systems, we now wait for its sistership BRP Gregorio del Pilar to have a similar weapons system, as well as for the 2 ships to get their highly-anticipated long-range surface and air search radar systems, and the defense/offensive missile systems as discussed in previous MaxDefense blog entries. With the year 2015 still in its infancy, expect more news on the upgrade of the 2 ships, especially with the impending awarding of the PN's new frigates coming very soon.

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Why the Hamilton-class WHECs are still worth purchasing for the Philippine Navy.

There has been a lot of comments in the press, the internet, and even on discussions with defense and government officials opposing the Philippine government's decision to purchase 40-year old Hamilton-class patrol vessels from the US Coast Guard to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Navy. Here at MaxDefense blog alone, readers can see the views of some posters rejecting the ships. 

But is purchasing the ships really not worth it? 

Let us discuss the pros and cons of the ship with regards to its use with the Philippine Navy, starting with the cons.

CONS:
These are the most common reasons why people are against the purchase of the Hamilton-class ships for the Philippine Navy:

1. "The ships are too old and are replaced with newer ships by the US Coast Guard". 

USCGC Rush before the FRAM upgrades. Taken during Exercise Brim Frost 1985. Notice the missing telescopic hangar, and Phalanx CIWS at the fantail, and the use of the older 5" gun.
Photo taken from Wikipedia.

Looking at the ship class' history, the Hamilton-class cutters are actually designed in the early 1960's, with the first ship, USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) , now known as BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), being launched in 1965 and commissioned with the US Coast Guard in 1967. That makes the ship 48 years old from launching. That even makes the ship probably older than the ship's current commanding officer (am I right Capt.Cruz & Cmdr. Orbe?)  Due to old age, the US Coast Guard started replacing the class with the new National Security Cutter a.k.a. Legend-class cutters, and the decommissioned units were sold to the Philippines, Nigeria, and recently to Bangladesh. Due to old age, wear and tear of its parts and degradation of the hull and systems are expected to happen. Compared to newer ships they become more susceptible to frequent maintenance requirements, frequent and longer dock time and reduced operational capability.


2. "These ships were heavily used by the US Coast Guard in their high seas operation".

The USCGC Mellon operating on high sea states. The WHECs were reportedly driven hard by the US Coast Guard to achieve their missions in high sea states and different conditions around the world that even navy ships do not dare to go.
Photo taken from USCG website.

The US Coast Guard heavily used the Hamilton-class cutters as these are their most capable and longest-ranged ships in the service. They were everywhere around the world during the 40+ years in service, from the icy waters of the Bering Strait to the tropical waters of the Caribbean.  The Hamiltons were even used by the USCG in sea control, escort and shore bombardment duties from the Vietnam War until the South Ossetia War. Due to their design to perform well in the high seas, they are also the preferred platform on high sea state operations if required by the USCG.


3. "They do not have the necessary sensors and weapons systems a normal modern frigate has".
Before transferring to friendly countries like the Philippines, the US government removed the ship's AN/SPS-40 air search radar, the AN/SPS-73 surface search radar, communications systems and links used by US military forces, the 2 Mk. 38 Mod. 0 chain guns, and the Mk. 15 Phalanx close-in weapons system. The US government claims that the weapons will be used for their incoming Legend-class and other USCG ships, while the radar and communications systems will be used as spares for their remaining Hamilton-class ships in USCG service. The recipient countries bought a new radar system to replace the surface search and navigation radar and necessary safety equipment as a basic requirement for normal sea travel.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar was only armed with the Oto Melara 76mm gun when handed-over to the Philippine Navy.
Photo from BRP Gregorio del Pilar PF-15 Facebook page.

4. "They won't stand a chance against OPFOR naval forces".
With only a 76mm gun plus light weapons, it won't stand a chance should OPFOR decided to use force against the ship. It does not have the offensive power to strike OPFOR ships, aircraft and submarines, and except for the main gun, it does not have the hard-kill systems to defend against anti-ship missiles and soft-kill systems to avoid torpedoes. It does not even have the capability to detect incoming threats from a longer distance as compared to its American sister-ships.

The PN needs more capable warships and naval assets to protect the country's EEZ and territory from OPFOR threats, like this fleet.
Photo taken from sina.com

5. "There are a lot more naval ships on offer abroad, why settle for the Hamilton-class?"
Currently there a number of frigates being offered in the used market, with the well-known Maestrale and Soldati classes from the Italians, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class from the Americans, the F122 Bremen-class from the Germans, and others. These are even younger and more capable than the Hamilton-class cutters, with a more comprehensive offensive and defensive weapons, sensors and detection systems, and were built according to Milspec.

The Italians offered the Maestrale-class frigates before, as discussed in previous MaxDefense blogs.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

But also there are positive reasons on why the Philippine Navy decided to get the Hamilton-class ships:


PROS:

1. The Philippine Navy needs to acquire as many large-hull warships it can possibly get, operate and maintain with its limited budget.
The PN is currently experiencing shortage of capable ships of all sizes, and before the PF-15 was commissioned in 2011 there was only 1 gun frigate in service. Several old warships were decommissioned without replacement in the past. The PN needs to have more ships to show its presence and patrol the vast Philippine territorial and EEZ waters. The Hamilton-class was an opportunity that the PN saw, and now the BRP Gregorio del Pilar has been a big boost to the capability of the PN even if it's just 1 ship. If there are more used warships available in the market and the PN has the budget to purchase more, it must use the chance and do so. The BRP Gregorio del Pilar was funded with a 2 years operational budget worth Php 120 million when it was purchased to make sure that it won't get stuck at port due to lack of funds.


2. Despite its age, the Hamilton-class ships are definitely younger, more capable, and have better seakeeping than 3 major ship classes of the Philippine Navy which are from the 1940s era.
Before the Gregorio del Pilar arrived, the PN's 3 largest surface warships are 70-year old World War 2 veterans, the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the BRP Quezon (PS-70) and BRP Rizal (PS-74). There are also 6 more World War 2 veteran patrol vessels with the PN. Due to old age, these ships should have already been withdrawn from service by now. They do not have the weapons and systems currently being used in other navies, limiting the increase of technological skills and knowledge of ship crews and of the PN organization as a whole. Stories of the Oto Melara 76mm gun breakdown of the Jacinto-class ships and the lack of skilled specialists in the PN organization are abound on the internet, and all are attributed to the lack of modern equipment to train with in the PN's inventory. 

The Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates are definitely younger than the BRP Rajah Humabon.
Photo taken from US Navy c/o Wikimedia.

But the Gregorio del Pilar, despite its "old age" as compared to naval assets being used by neighboring countries, is 30 years younger than the PN's largest warships. It is also larger and can operate on higher sea states than most if not all PN warships, has one of the best endurance at sea than most comparable frigate and patrol vessels (both new and old), and has superior seakeeping. Despite its age, it also has the capability to accept modern ship systems, as discussed further in this blog. 

Of course they're old! If not they won't be even sold by the US government right? We must also consider the fact that all frigates in the used market are old, so the WHECs are not the only ships holding that distinction. You won't see slightly used frigates being sold elsewhere. Proper and thorough inspection of the ships can give the PN a better chance of only getting what it thinks is best for their specifications and requirements.


3. The Hamilton-class ships were sold to the Philippines at a very low price.
The BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) only costed the Philippine government Php 450 million (more than $10M as of 2011)  for the ship, crew training, and refurbishment & minor repair works. An additional amount was spent to drydock the ship in the Philippines prior to commissioning. The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) was also purchase for the same amount, although an additional $ 5 million was spent for the repair works and engine replacement. For the 2 ships the government only spent less than $30 million. That is around more than half of a single Maestrale-class frigate without training and refurbishing works when Italy offered one to a South American country in 2009. Or just less than the price of a single KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle being offered to the Philippine Air Force. 

Imagine how many WHECs you can buy with the missing Php 10 billion PDAF "pork barrel" that is in the local news right now.

In comparison, the cost to purchase the 2 Hamilton-class WHECs is even less than a new FA-50 LIFT aircraft being offered to the PAF.

For a cash-strapped navy like the PN, this is already a very good bargain. Even Nigeria is contemplating getting another unit, and Bangladesh now joining the fray. Even in its current state as a large OPV, there is almost nothing in the used market right now that can offer the same deal for that price.


4. The Hamilton-class ships has the basic modern technology the Philippine Navy needs to train its personnel, and has the size to install current and future weapons and sensors to keep it up-to-date for another decade.
The Gregorio del Pilar has brought with it a lot of new capabilities to the PN when it was commissioned in 2011. It is equipped with a CODOG propulsion system, and became the first ship in the PN's history to have gas turbines as part of the propulsion. It is equipped with a "current technology" Oto Melara 76mm Compact gun, making it the 4th ship in the PN's inventory to have it, and despite the removal by the US of its original radar systems, the PF-15 has new navigation and surface search radar and a new C&C/Common Operational Picture system. It also has a helicopter hangar and helideck for shipborne helicopter operations, and provisions for new radar and communications systems if the PN decides to install. Provisions are also available to install Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Mk. 15 Phalanx CIWS or SeaRAM on the fantail, Mk. 38 25mm chain guns on the midships, a hull-mounted sonar (needs further modifications) and even torpedo launchers. 

The WHECs have already proven that they are capable of accepting additional systems to increase its capability. Seen here is the USCGC Mellon carrying Harpoon missiles and a Mk. 15 Phalanx CIWS after the FRAM program. Not shown are the torpedo launchers for Mk.46 torpedoes and the AN/SQS-26 hull mounted sonar. Photo taken from Wikimedia.

There are already plans to up-arm and upgrade the Gregorio del Pilar-class, with both ships to be installed with Coast Watch links, and reportedly, with a new 3D search radar, the Harpoon missile, the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 Typhoon 25mm chain guns, an AW-109 Power shipboard helicopter, and anti-submarine warfare capability. Of all current PN assets, only the Gregorio del Pilar-class has the space and size to receive systems that require large space and power requirements.


5. The Hamilton-class ships are readily available, and can be put to sea in a shorter span of time than most used frigates in the market.
Although the PN took more than a year to bring the BRP Ramon Alcaraz to service due to "overlooked" repair works, the cycle from purchase to commissioning is still faster than if buying other frigates. The BRP Gregorio del Pilar only took a few months from hand-over to commissioning. Due to the complexity of other used frigates, the PN may not be able to bring these more capable ships to sea immediately as it needs more time to train. The Hamilton-class ships are much simpler, and will be easy for the PN to assimilate into its fleet and capability.



MaxDefense believes that in general the Hamilton-class ships were a good buy for the Philippine Navy despite the negative issues ships, the positive outweighs the negative concerns. It is a better platform than the ageing naval assets of the PN that negatively affects their capability considering the limitations of their current assets. As an interim platform, the ships will be able to provide the Philippine Navy with capable ships at sea to immediately do its mandate of protecting its interests and territories even with limited capability. Anyway it is not expected that a shooting war will happen anytime soon if political arrangements are properly utilized in the absence of armed capability.

The Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates are expected to be in service with the PN for another decade, but the PN must not be complacent and rely too much on these ships. The cons issues posted above still hold true, and the PN must be able to plan its course of actions to move ahead further and not getting stuck with the WHECs. Purchasing brand new and more capable frigates is a good way to start, which the DND and PN are expected to release the details soon. At the mean time, MaxDefense suggests getting more WHECs from the US government using the same deal (or better) when it took the PF-15 and PF-16. The USCG is expected to release more WHECs every year, with another expected within this year.

More WHECs, more happy sailors seeing their organization upgrading and moving away from World War 2 era vintage warships.
Photo taken from Timawa.net

MaxDefense will be updating this blog later on (expect edits on this blog).

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More Photos from BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16)'s Hawaii Port Call (12-16 July 2013)

The Philippine Navy's latest frigate, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, is ending its scheduled port call at Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam in Hawaii later on the Hawaiian morning of 16 July 2013 after staying for 4 days. It has been replenished and refueled to continue its journey to its next port call in Guam until it reaches Manila by 2 August 2013.

The last 4 days saw the ship's crew attending different functions and activities, as shown on the photos posted here at MaxDefense.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) as it approaches Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on 12 July 2013.
Photo taken from Shipspotting.com, photo by WadeArmstrong.

A photo taken from the PF-16 preparing to dock at Pearl Harbon on 12 July 2013.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam Base Commander, Capt. Jesse James, welcomes the BRP Ramon Alcaraz officers upon arrival.
Photo taken from Philippine Navy website BRP Alcaraz blog.

Consul Roberto T. Bernardo delivering the opening speech for the PF-16's welcome party on 12 July 2013.
Photo taken from Philippine Navy website BRP Alcaraz blog.

A hula dance performance during the welcome party from representative of the Filipino-American Community in Hawaii.
Photo taken from Philippine Navy website BRP Alcaraz blog.

Members of the Filipino-American Community in Hawaii enjoying the presence of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz in Hawaii.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz's main gun just after sunset on 12 July 2013.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz facebook page.

The crew of BRP Ramon Alcaraz visiting the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii. They paid tribute to the sacrifices of the fallen crew of USS Arizona.
Taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

During the stay in Hawaii, 5 enlisted crew members of the ship have made an Oath of Re-Enlistment for another 3 years of military service. The following crew members are:

- EN2 Regidor Labrador

- EN3 Tomas Ciruelos, Jr.

- EN3 Ernesto Cabahug

- S2YN Erica Celemin

- EN3 Marlon Martonito

5 enlisted personnel of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz taking their Oath of Re-enlistment rites for another 3 years of naval service. Presiding the oath is PF-16 commanding officer Capt. Ernesto Baldovino.
Taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.  

The crew of BRP Ramon Alcaraz doing replenishment and final checks in preparation for its departure from Hawaii to continue its journey.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

Good morning Hawaii, July 16, 2013.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

The ship's officers discussing the activities of the morning, July 16, 2013.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

Pre-departure Catholic Mass held at the ship's helideck, with the base chaplain leading the ceremonies.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

AFP Liaison Officer to the US Pacific Command, Col. Restituto Padilla, PAF with Consul Roberto Bernardo.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

Visitors enjoying the "despedida" party meal before the ship's departure from Hawaii, July 16, 2013.
Photo taken from PF-16 Ramon Alcaraz Facebook page.

MaxDefense will post updates on the ship's journey and its next port call in Guam, which the ship is expected to arrive there by next week. Wishing the ship and crew a safe and problem-free journey.

For more on the ship's journey, you may also refer to the official navy sites:

* Facebook page of BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16): https://www.facebook.com/pages/PF-16-Ramon-Alcaraz/533450743369095?fref=ts

* Philippine Navy's BRP Alcaraz blogs: http://www.navy.mil.ph/alcaraz/

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