Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES – The Philippine Fleet (PF) installed a new commanding officer (CO) for its offshore patrol ship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS15) in a turnover ceremony on April 4 at the Naval Operating Base (NOB) Subic.

PF Commander, Rear Adm. Renato David, served as the keynote speaker in the activity that ushered Commander (Cdr.) Phillip Plaza to the helm of PS15, succeeding Cdr. Alan Sonon.

In his address, Cdr. Sonon reflected on the ship’s accomplishments under his tenure and expressed gratitude to the “men and women of Team Goyo who have always performed at the best of their skills and ability to keep her at optimum operational readiness status.”

Meanwhile, Cdr. Plaza expressed his honor and readiness to take charge of the PS15 which has been a symbol of Philippine maritime strength and sovereignty.

Rear Adm. David, in his remarks, held the outgoing CO in high esteem for his leadership and dedication that guided the vessel through numerous challenges and missions. He likewise expressed confidence in the new PS15 skipper, a seasoned naval officer from PMA “Kaakibat” Class of 2001 with a distinguished record of service.

In closing, the Fleet Commandern closing, the Fleet Commander enjoined the men and women of PS15 to continue to uphold the proud traditions of the vessel, and demonstrate their professionalism, courage, and dedication in the defense of Philippine maritime interests. (PR / The Philippine Fleet)

📸 The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS15) joins the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday, April 7. It was the first ever, successfully conducted MMCA participated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). (Photo HO-WESCOM, AFP)