Antonio Luna (FF-151), the Philippines’ second-guided missile frigate, now undertakes its first official mission in the Naval Forces West in Palawan.
Philippine Navy (PN) chief, Rear Adm. Adeluis Bordado led the send-off ceremony for the BRP Antonio Luna at the Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila recently.
“I know that you have trained very hard for this,” he added, noting that
The BRP Antonio Luna arrived in the country in February and was officially commissioned to the PN service in March. The missile frigate is one of the most advanced naval platform to fly the national flag.
“I want you to know how much pride and honor you carry and magnify for the entire Command by carrying the Philippine flag during your first and most challenging mission yet. Make waves, bow, and winds obey,” Bordado said during the send-off rites.
Commanded by Navy Capt. Charles Merric Villanueva, the BRP Antonio Luna has recently assumed a high state of operational readiness after successfully complying with all pre-deployment requirements.
The Naval Forces West is tasked to protect the Palawan waters and part of the West Philippine Sea including the Kalayaan Island Group.
BRP Antonio Luna and its sister ship, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), are capable of surface, sub-surface, air, and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long-range missiles, acoustic-guided torpedoes, and an embarked anti-submarine helicopter.