4th BA DIVISION: THE NEWEST ADDITION TO NFEM'S NAVAL ASSETS
The newly assigned boat attack craft had just arrived at the docks of the Naval Station Felix Apolinario on June 1, 2022.
The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) hosted an Arrival Ceremony to welcome the 4th Boat Attack Division of the Philippine Fleet, headed by its Commanding Officer, CDR MALONE B AGUDELO PN at the DPWH Pier, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.
The event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker, the duly elected City Mayor of Davao, Honorable Sebastian Z Duterte was accorded with Sideboys Honors upon his arrival. Thereafter, the ceremony commenced with the entry and docking of the 4th Boat Attack Division, comprised of three (3) boat attack craft, namely BA492, BA493, and BA494, and was followed by a presentation of troops by CDR AGUDELO.
The Boat Attack platforms, formerly known as the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC), were part of the naval assets for the Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy of the Philippine Navy. The 4th BA Division’s role is to conduct fast interception, perform rapid attacks, deliver precision fire and launch missile strikes to support NFEM and the Eastern Mindanao Command’s (EMC) mission. The attack boats are also capable of providing support to ground troops, point defense, force/security escort, medical and casualty evacuation, and limited personnel transport. Moreover, each boat attack is equipped with Spike-Extended Range missile launch system, mini typhoon machine gun system, light machine guns, automatic rifles, and pistols. With a cruising speed of 30-35 knots and a maximum speed of 45 knots, they will be able to pursue fleeing enemies during Hot Pursuit operations.
“I am very proud to share this milestone with all of you as this marks an increase in the capability of the NFEM Command in the conduct of naval operations, particularly in maritime interdiction and naval special warfare operations. These boat attack craft will also serve as quick response units during search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” the Commander, NFEM, COMMO CARLOS V SABARRE PN conveyed during his welcome remarks.
In his message prior to introducing the Guest of Honor and Speaker, the Commander, EMC, LTGEN GREG T ALMEROL PA emphasized the 4th BA Division’s two (2) primary missions: to secure the waters within the area of operations, and to support the development efforts of the local and the national government. He also reminded them of their strengths and capabilities that make them an important component unit, not only of the Philippine Navy but of the entire Armed Forces as well. “You can be assured that you will always have the full support of the Eastern Mindanao Command,” he added as he wished them well in their deployment within the Eastern Mindanao area of operations.
Acting City Mayor of Davao, Hon. Duterte congratulated NFEM on the arrival of the 4th BA Division. He commended the PN's leadership for its commitment to advancing its operational capabilities and for ensuring the maritime security in the region. “The acquisition of these boat attacks highlights your dedication to becoming a modern and multi-capable naval force,” he said before he concluded, “May you take today’s milestone as an inspiration and challenge to continuously improve and uphold your mandate for the welfare of the public.”
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#ModernandMultiCapablePHNavy
#ProtectingtheSeasSecuringOurFuture
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