Philippine Navy (PN) flagship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) will undergo various communications, weapons, and fire-control upgrades.
The frigates are still undergoing bottom hull repairs and will be undocked as soon as repairs have been completed. Propellers and related underwater accessories will be shipped to the US for repairs.
The ship ran aground on August 29 while on regular patrol near the barren shoal, known internationally as Half Moon Shoal.
The ship was pulled clear from Hasa-Hasa Shoal last Sept. 3 and towed to Subic Bay, Zambales, arriving on September 7.
While awaiting the completion of those repairs, she will undergo communications and weapon and fire control upgrades to optimize her downtime period,” he added.
These vessels have a cruising range of 14,000 miles, endurance, 45 days, armed with a 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon, 25mm, and 20mm light cannons and .50-caliber machine guns.
Turned over to the Philippines in 2011, The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is one of three Hamilton-class cutters acquired by the PN from the United States Coast Guard and converted into frigates.
Note: the ship in the video is Del Pilar Class Frigate FF-17, the ship that ran aground in half moon shoal is FF-15.
PNA
