Philippine Navy Discussion and Updates

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ManilaBoy

Banned Member
I beleived it already has an air search radar but what's lacking is the long range air and surface search radar like the AN/SPS-40 that was removed from the aft mast prior to being transfer to the PN, here is PF-15 in full Navy gray color already looking sharp inside Keppel shipyard ...

 
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ed famie

New Member
ManilaBoy said:
I beleived it already has an air search radar but what's lacking is the long range air and surface search radar like the AN/SPS-40 that was removed from the aft mast prior to being transfer to the PN, here is PF-15 in full Navy gray color already looking sharp inside Keppel shipyard as of 11-25-11...

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It is good to see that the PN is improving bit by bit, i think the AFP is a happy to have a commander in chief like noynoy who think that they need a material up-grade
 
S

Sea Toby

New Member
The Hamiltons were the cream of the coast guard fleet before I retired. While three have been sold and two have been transferred, there are still nine in service, some still patrolling off Alaska. Anyone who has watched the Discovery channel's Deadliest Catch series from the Bering Sea understand the Hamiltons are good sea keeping ships. From this news report from Alaska, the Hamiltons have protected the Alaskan fisheries.


http://juneauempire.com/opinion/2011-04-16/why-bertholf-matters-alaska#.TtgdhGC1nyE


While the Philippines did have to pay for the latest refit, they are getting the ships for free. Whatever ship the Philippines had bought, whether new or used, they were facing a refit bill eventually.
 
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M

ManilaBoy

Banned Member
Sea Toby said:
The Hamiltons were the cream of the coast guard fleet before I retired. While three have been sold and two have been transferred, there are still nine in service, some still patrolling off Alaska. Anyone who has watched the Discovery channel's Deadliest Catch series from the Bering Sea understand the Hamiltons are good sea keeping ships. From this news report from Alaska, the Hamiltons have protected the Alaskan fisheries.


Why the Bertholf matters to Alaska | Juneau Empire - Alaska's Capital City Online Newspaper


While the Philippines did have to pay for the latest refit, they are getting the ships for free. Whatever ship the Philippines had bought, whether new or used, they were facing a refit bill eventually.
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I believed there are still 10 in active service with the USCG, only 2 have been sold and transfered so far which is WHEC-715 and WHEC-718...
 
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Sea Toby

New Member
ManilaBoy said:
I believed there are still 10 in active service with the USCG, only 2 have been sold and transfered so far which is WHEC-715 and WHEC-718...
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Yea, I am jumping the gun a bit early. In my mind Dallas is already gone having completed her last deployment. :D

While I fully expect the eight Bertholfs/NSC cutters to be built by the end of this decade, I am looking forward to the final design for the smaller OPCs to be built in the next decade. Twenty four are planned to be built to replace the Reliances at first and then the Famous/Bears later. While the FRCs have a similar stern RHIB well, the OPCs won't have a stern well, already a victim to a cost cut. I am a bit disappointed as I was anticipating a Famous/Bear sized cutter, but it appears now they will be between the size of the Reliance and the Bears, if not closer to a Reliance. Well, I guess we get a larger high endurance cutter with the NSCs but a smaller medium endurance cutter (than a Famous/Bear) in larger numbers with the OPCs.

While the Coast Guard has done well budget wise under Homeland Security than they did under the Dept. of Transportation, the present budget blowout political wrangling may cause problems getting all twenty four OPCs. Double manning the ships will reduce our number of cutters being bought, but we need as many cutters deployed in the future as we do now. I can't imagine doing as much with less.

For example previous images of the OPCs were larger than the current images. Note neither are final designs.
Previous image:

Current image:
 
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M

ManilaBoy

Banned Member
It looks like the Dallas WHEC-716 will be the next one to be sold and transfer, The PN will most likely receive it by the 1st half of 2012 as reported earlier...
 
S

Sea Toby

New Member
ManilaBoy said:
It looks like the Dallas WHEC-716 will be the next one to be sold and transfer, The PN will most likely receive it by the 1st half of 2012 as reported earlier...
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I believe her purchase has already been done. Its only a matter now of the transferring process, training of her new crew, and her refit. We will have more to sell soon in the next few years. There are plenty for all four nations which showed an interest of transfers: the Philippines, NIgeria, Uruguay, and Bangladesh.
 
T

T.C.P

Well-Known Member
Sea Toby said:
I believe her purchase has already been done. Its only a matter now of the transferring process, training of her new crew, and her refit. We will have more to sell soon in the next few years. There are plenty for all four nations which showed an interest of transfers: the Philippines, NIgeria, Uruguay, and Bangladesh.
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The US did a presentation of the Hamilton at the Navy HQ, from what I heard, the presentation showed how the Hamilton could be converted into a Frigate or missile OPV.

Also, a Hamilton deal with us should have already been done by now, the particular Hamilton which was offered, was supposed to retire early and be handed over to us, but the US decided to keep it in service and there fore delaying it, the deal fell through and created resentment in the BN.

The US later renewed its effort and from what I hear some BN officers were impressed with the latest presentation.
 
M

ManilaBoy

Banned Member
T.C.P da Devil said:
The US did a presentation of the Hamilton at the Navy HQ, from what I heard, the presentation showed how the Hamilton could be converted into a Frigate or missile OPV.

Also, a Hamilton deal with us should have already been done by now, the particular Hamilton which was offered, was supposed to retire early and be handed over to us, but the US decided to keep it in service and there fore delaying it, the deal fell through and created resentment in the BN.

The US later renewed its effort and from what I hear some BN officers were impressed with the latest presentation.
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So it looks like Bangladesh will finally get it's 1st Hamilton class cutter from the USCG and if so which one and when will it be transfer to the BN...

P.S. Back to Topic
 
T

T.C.P

Well-Known Member
ManilaBoy said:
So it looks like Bangladesh will finally get it's 1st Hamilton class cutter from the USCG and if so which one and when will it be transfer to the BN...

P.S. Back to Topic
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No confirmation if we are even getting a Hamilton yet.....
 
S

Sea Toby

New Member
ManilaBoy said:
Former USCGC Hamilton WHEC-715 now BRP Gregorio Del Pilar PF-15 was officially commissioned into PN service as it's flagship at a ceremony held today in Manila that was attended by President Aquino and other high ranking military officials...


Philippines launches warship amid territorial row - Yahoo! News
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She was dressed up nicely, similar to a George Washington's birthday. No, she isn't a warship, a new warship won't survive a war with China, but she is a former cutter and will make a very good old patrol frigate. All of her sisters are still active today.
 
B

Belesari

New Member
Sea Toby said:
She was dressed up nicely, similar to a George Washington's birthday. No, she isn't a warship, a new warship won't survive a war with China, but she is a former cutter and will make a very good old patrol frigate. All of her sisters are still active today.
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She does look damn good.
 
T

tatra

New Member
Verified Defense Pro
Sea Toby said:
She was dressed up nicely, similar to a George Washington's birthday. No, she isn't a warship, a new warship won't survive a war with China, but she is a former cutter and will make a very good old patrol frigate. All of her sisters are still active today.
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Not to be underestimated! Defense Readiness was the third primary mission for the High Endurance class cutters, after maritime law enforcement and protecting the safety of life and property at sea.

In 1988, Hamilton completed a three-year fleet renovation and modernization that provided the ship with modern weapons and electronics systems. The new technology enables Hamilton to operate seamlessly with the United States Navy.

Between 1985 and 1992 all Hamilton-class cutters underwent FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) which entailed the upgrading and standardization of the ship's propulsion systems, the replacement of the original 5"/38 gun and Mk 56 fire control system with a more modern Mk 75 3"/62 cannon and Mk 92 fire control system, and the replacement of the SPS-29 air search radar with the SPS-40 air search radar. In addition, the flight deck and hangar were modified to accommodate an HH-60J Jayhawk SAR helicopter. In addition, during the FRAM refit several units were equipped with Harpoon ASM launchers and a single Mk 15 Phalanx 20mm CIWS (close in weapon system), with all ships eventually having the CIWS installed by 1993. To improve the Hamilton's ASW capabilities, SQR-4 and SQR-17 sonobouy signal receivers and passive signal processing systems, while the ship's defenses were augmented with the addition of a SRBOC (super rapid blooming overhead chaff) launcher. In late 1993 it was decided to refocus the ship's mission on more traditional Coast Guard duties and all ASW, sonar, missiles were removed. This refit was accomplished by 1994. In addition, the original Mk 67 20mm cannons were replaced by improved Mk 38 25mm cannons

The cutters are currently equipped with modern weapons systems.

Armament
1 - MK75 76mm Gun (anti-air capable)
2 - 25mm Machine Guns
1 - MK15 20-mm Phalanx, Close-in weapons system (CIWS)
2 - 50 Cal. machine gun
12 - Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaff launchers

MELLON was the first and only ship in the Coast Guard to fire the Harpoon missile. That system has since been removed due to fiscal constraints.

Systems
AN/SPS-40E Air Search Radar
AN/SPS-73 Surface Search Radar
AN/WLR-1H Electronic Support Surveillance Equipment
MK92 Fire Control
MF, HF, VHF, UHF Communications (Line of Sight & Satellite)
Aircraft 1 - HH65 Dolphin or 1 - LAMPS MK I

The cutters are equipped with a retractable hangar. The telescoping hangar is designed to hold either the USCG HH-65 or the USN SH-2F helicopter. The hangar is extended when the helo is housed, and is retracted during flight operations in order to provide an adequate launch/recovery area. The cutters are equipped to provide in flight refueling to numerous types of aircraft. The flight deck can also be used to receive logistical support via vertical replenishment operations.

These vessels are equipped with advanced Navy equipment such as the Command Display and Control system, which collects, and displays data on ten display screens to monitor subjects being tracked, maneuver, avoid collisions, create search and rescue patterns and locate individuals in the water. This system is also used for navigation, piloting and internal communications
 
S

Sea Toby

New Member
tatra said:
Not to be underestimated! Defense Readiness was the third primary mission for the High Endurance class cutters, after maritime law enforcement and protecting the safety of life and property at sea.

In 1988, Hamilton completed a three-year fleet renovation and modernization that provided the ship with modern weapons and electronics systems. The new technology enables Hamilton to operate seamlessly with the United States Navy.

Between 1985 and 1992 all Hamilton-class cutters underwent FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) which entailed the upgrading and standardization of the ship's propulsion systems, the replacement of the original 5"/38 gun and Mk 56 fire control system with a more modern Mk 75 3"/62 cannon and Mk 92 fire control system, and the replacement of the SPS-29 air search radar with the SPS-40 air search radar. In addition, the flight deck and hangar were modified to accommodate an HH-60J Jayhawk SAR helicopter. In addition, during the FRAM refit several units were equipped with Harpoon ASM launchers and a single Mk 15 Phalanx 20mm CIWS (close in weapon system), with all ships eventually having the CIWS installed by 1993. To improve the Hamilton's ASW capabilities, SQR-4 and SQR-17 sonobouy signal receivers and passive signal processing systems, while the ship's defenses were augmented with the addition of a SRBOC (super rapid blooming overhead chaff) launcher. In late 1993 it was decided to refocus the ship's mission on more traditional Coast Guard duties and all ASW, sonar, missiles were removed. This refit was accomplished by 1994. In addition, the original Mk 67 20mm cannons were replaced by improved Mk 38 25mm cannons

The cutters are currently equipped with modern weapons systems.

Armament
1 - MK75 76mm Gun (anti-air capable)
2 - 25mm Machine Guns
1 - MK15 20-mm Phalanx, Close-in weapons system (CIWS)
2 - 50 Cal. machine gun
12 - Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaff launchers

MELLON was the first and only ship in the Coast Guard to fire the Harpoon missile. That system has since been removed due to fiscal constraints.

Systems
AN/SPS-40E Air Search Radar
AN/SPS-73 Surface Search Radar
AN/WLR-1H Electronic Support Surveillance Equipment
MK92 Fire Control
MF, HF, VHF, UHF Communications (Line of Sight & Satellite)
Aircraft 1 - HH65 Dolphin or 1 - LAMPS MK I

The cutters are equipped with a retractable hangar. The telescoping hangar is designed to hold either the USCG HH-65 or the USN SH-2F helicopter. The hangar is extended when the helo is housed, and is retracted during flight operations in order to provide an adequate launch/recovery area. The cutters are equipped to provide in flight refueling to numerous types of aircraft. The flight deck can also be used to receive logistical support via vertical replenishment operations.

These vessels are equipped with advanced Navy equipment such as the Command Display and Control system, which collects, and displays data on ten display screens to monitor subjects being tracked, maneuver, avoid collisions, create search and rescue patterns and locate individuals in the water. This system is also used for navigation, piloting and internal communications
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All of the Hamiltons were fitted with the necessary gear to fit harpoons and the Phalanx CIWS. All were FRAMed during the 1990s with at that time up to date sensors and fire control equipment. While the ship maybe 40 years old, much of her electronics fit isn't. Hamiltons saw considerable action in the Bering Sea protecting the Alaskan fisheries and the US EEZ with their high endurance. Alaskan fisheries are still plentiful, whereas areas outside of the US EEZ have been depleted thanks to the US Coast Guard and their Hamilton class cutters. Unalaska, Alaska is over 2000 nautical miles from Alameda, California.
 
K

kaman

New Member
The Philippines will continue to be a 3rd rate military power in the South China Sea unless they secure funding. They would have been better off maintaining a closer relationship with the United States and negotiating more favorable terms to keep the US bases open. In hindsight it was a huge misjudgement on the part of the Philippines and the United States that the PI would be able to defend itself from the "intrusions" of it's neighbors. It's been a mess since 1991the U S left, and is not going to improve anytime in the future.
 
S

Sea Toby

New Member
kaman said:
The Philippines will continue to be a 3rd rate military power in the South China Sea unless they secure funding. They would have been better off maintaining a closer relationship with the United States and negotiating more favorable terms to keep the US bases open. In hindsight it was a huge misjudgement on the part of the Philippines and the United States that the PI would be able to defend itself from the "intrusions" of it's neighbors. It's been a mess since 1991the U S left, and is not going to improve anytime in the future.
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The Philippines aren't going to start or win a war or arms race with China. By no means do they have the same resources. But they do need to upgrade their navy, and with bigger ships suitable for patrolling their EEZ. The Hamilton cutters fit that mission very well.

The Philippines defense rests with their mutual defense treaty with the US. While their military may not have the best and newest equipment, there is nothing wrong with their personnel or training. The US Navy SEALS are so impressed with Philippine SEALS, the US government more or less rewarded the Philippines one of our new Cyclone class boats their SEALS earned in the Persian Gulf. It was in the better interest for the US for the Philippines to have one of these boats over the US having twelve boats, eleven will do for us.

Its like their CNO said at Alameda with the turnover of Gregorio del Pilar, "Fate may have brought the two nations together, but we choose our friends."
 
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