Malaking tulong sa Pilipinas
Photo Courtesy: U.S. Embassy to the Philippines
Ni Vivz Reyes
Dumating na sa Subic Bay, Zambales, nitong ika-4 ng Nobyembre, taong kasalukuyan, ang dalawang (2) Devil Ray T38 unmanned surface vessels ng Estados Unidos.
Ang naturang mga barko ay nagkakahalaga ng higit walong milyong dolyares ($8 milyon) na ipinagkaloob sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Ayon sa Estados Unidos, ang mga sasakyang ito ay sumasagisag sa dedikasyon ng U. S. para sa pinakamatagal nitong kaalyado pagdating sa seguridad sa Asya para sa makabuluhang paraan gaya ng pagpapahusay sa kakayahan ng Pilipinas na protektahan ang mga karapatan nito sa soberanya; at pagpapabuti ng kamalayan sa dagat bilang bahagi ng ibinahaging layunin ng parehong bansa para sa isang malaya at bukas na Indo-Pacific.
Sa isang seremonya ay personal na ipinagkaloob ni US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton ang mga barko kay Philippine Marine Corps Deputy Commandant Brigadier General Bayani V. Curaming, PN (M) kasabay ng bagong tatag na Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC) Unmanned Center of Excellence sa nabanggit na lugar.
“This year, we mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines,” ani Ambassador Lipton . “These American-made systems show the incredible strength of our Alliance. We are proud of the role that American technology and industry play in helping modernize the AFP and strengthening the Philippines’ maritime capabilities.”
“These vessels can conduct extended surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, deliver supplies, and allow AFP personnel to direct missions from a safe distance. It will strengthen the AFP’s growing autonomous fleet, expanding its ability to monitor wider areas of Philippine waters for longer periods at a lower cost than crewed vessels,” ayon pa kay U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh.
“The turnover of these two T30 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessels reflects the growing importance of emerging technologies in addressing the evolving demands of maritime security,” saad ni Brigadier General Curaming. “This undertaking reflects a longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a common commitment to maritime security.”
Ang naturang barko ay gawa ng American company na MARTAC, ito ay isang 11-meter unmanned surface vessel na may kakayahang lumampas sa bilis na 60 knots at kayang magdala ng hanggang 1,814 kilos ng kargamento. Pinapadali nito ang surveillance, reconnaissance, mine clearance, at logistics missions, at maaaring paganahin gamit ang remote control.
