Philippine Navy Welcomes BRP Antonio Luna

 

The Philippine Navy (PN) welcomed the future BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), the second missile-capable frigate of the PN, as it traverses Philippine waters in the vicinity of Capones Island, Zambales today, February 9.FF151s sister ship, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) rendered the customary meeting procedure and passing exercise (PASSEX) followed by both ships first maneuvering exercises (MANNEX), a momentous feat in the PN and AFPs history captured by an AW109 naval helicopter in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX). This procedure was complemented by a fly-by of three FA-50 jets from the Philippine Air Force.This time-honored maritime tradition was conducted to commemorate FF151s arrival to our territorial waters and to extend and maximize the training and systems familiarization opportunities of every crew aboardship in preparation for independent ship operation.

Frigate Antonio Luna will sail in formation with frigate Jose Rizal through Manila Bay before proceeding to its anchorage area in Subic, Zambales where the crew and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) personnel will observe mandatory quarantine period. A simple arrival ceremony will be conducted later this month upon completion of the quarantine period and satisfactory result of their COVID-19 swab test.

The second fast-frigate of the PN which will be christened as BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) once commissioned to service, entered Philippine waters last February 7 in the vicinity of Mavulis Island, Itbayat, Batanes, after its successful maiden voyage from Ulsan, South Korea.The Department of National Defense and Philippine Navy joint inspection team earlier approved the acceptance and delivery of the said vessel to the Philippines.

Frigate Antonio Luna will complete the PN Frigate Acquisition Project that fulfills the PNs thrust of having modern platforms and systems that provide opportunities for its personnel to develop modern mindsets and propel the whole organization into becoming a multi-capable naval force responsive to our maritime nations defense and development.