Philippines newest frigate undergoes PMS

MANILA — In its bid to improve the efficiency and readiness of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, the country's most modern frigate, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday announced that the ship is now undergoing its first ever preventive maintenance schedule (PMS). 

Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, PN spokesperson, said that BRP Gregorio Del Pilar started its PMS last week.

He declined to give the scope of the work stating security reasons but said that the ship could be easily in service if required.

The PN spokesperson refused to divulge on when the ship will conclude its PMS.

Tonsay said that PMS is routine done by all navies to ensure that the material conditions of their ships remain at its most serviceable level.

The PN spokesperson vehemently denied reports that the PMS was done to repair some defects in the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar's 76mm Oto Melara cannon.

"No, that report is not true," Tonsay added.

He also declined to comment on where the PMS is being done but stressed that the Filipino ship is still mission capable despite this.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (the former USCGC Hamilton) weighs 3,250 tons, has a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet.

Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar has a range of 14,000 miles and has a sea and loiter time of 45 days.

It has complement of 167 officers and men and is armed with a 76mm Oto Melara main gun, two 25mm Bushmaters automatic cannons, and four 20mm anti-aircraft guns.

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Philippine News Agency/ZamboTimes.Com | May 15, 2012 | Article Link