Patrol Ranges of Jacinto, Gregorio Del Pilar Ships Boosted by AF-81

29 Mei 2015

BRP Lake Caliraya AF-81 (photo : pdff)

MANILA (PNA) -- With the commissioning of BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81), the Navy's first oil tanker, patrol ranges of the three Jacinto class patrol vessels have been extended by another 2,500 nautical miles while the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates have boosted theirs by another 14,000 nautical miles.

This was disclosed by Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan in a message to the PNA.

The Jacinto class patrol vessels have a maximum unrefueled range of 2,500 nautical miles while the Gregorio Del Pilar frigates have a maximum unrefueled range of 14,000 nautical miles.

Millan added that having AF-81 in their inventory greatly boosted the patrol and endurance capabilities of their ships.

"As long as she (AF-81) has sufficient fuel stocks aboard, she can refuel any of our floating assets 24/7 to ensure their continuous patrol and maximize the presence of our floating assets," he added.

The BRP Lake Caliraya was commissioned at Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City last May 23.

She was the former M/T Lapu-Lapu of the PNOC Shipping and Transport Corporation that was donated to the PN last March 26, 2014.

The BRP Lake Caliraya is a single product replenishment platform that has a depot-to-ship, ship-to-depot, and a ship-to-ship refueling capabilities.

AF-81 was one of the three largest vessel of PNOC Fleet. She was built in Zhejiang Zhongxing Shipyard in Taizhou Peoples Republic of China in November 2007.

The sailing crew commissioned by the PNOC brought the ship from Taizhou, China to Manila, Philippines in January 2008.

The ship was used by the PNOC in transporting mainly bunker fuel to the different ports in the Philippines.

On May 11, 2014, the ship was brought from its anchorage area in Bataan to Keppel Shipyard, Bauan, Batangas to undergo dry docking and other related repairs.

She was then brought to Naval Shipyard, NSPL, Cavite City to undergo structural, habitability, machinery, and piping repairs.

AF-81 was named after Lake Caliraya, a beautiful lake located in the province of Laguna. As the lake provides a source of livelihood sustenance for the people of Caliraya, AF-81 on the other hand, will support the sustainment of naval operations.

With her modern replenishment and refueling gear, she will be central to facilitating and sustaining the operations of our Fleet in the operational areas.

AF-81 is commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Mamerto A Goleta PN and manned by selected officers and men of the Sealift Amphibious Force.

(PNA)