More Capable Hamilton Class Soon to Arrive

29 April 2012

USCGS Dallas wil be delivered to Philippines with all her equipment (photo : USNavy)

Soon-to-arrive Hamilton cutter more capable -- DND

MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said on Thursday the country's newest Hamilton-class cutter, which is expected to arrive before the end of the second quarter, is more capable than its predecessor, the former "USS Hamilton" which is now commissioned and in service as the Philippine Navy's "BRP Gregorio Del Pilar."

"The newest Hamilton-class cutter to enter is the 'USS Dallas.' It would be more capable than its predecessor," Galvez said during the "Talking Points" program over DZRB Radyo ng Bayan at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bldg. in Quezon City.

The DND spokesperson declined to comment on how capable the new ship would be, but he stressed that it would be good for the naval service in general.

Sources said that "USS Dallas" could be coming in the Philippines with all her equipment and armaments, unlike the "BRP Gregorio Del Pilar" which arrived in the country minus her Phalanx close-in weapon systems, 25mm Bushmaster cannons, and sonar systems.

"USS Dallas," the next frigate for the PN, will be indeed more capable in protecting the country's maritime territory from encroachment, the sources added. (PNA)

(ZamboTimes)