Navy commissions refurbished landing craft utility BRP Mamanwa

The Philippine Navy on Tuesday said it commissioned BRP Mamanwa (LC294), a refurbished landing craft utility from Korea, at Naval Base Heracleo Alano at Sangley Point, Cavite City on December 6.

In a statement, the Navy said the christening and commissioning ceremonies were presided by the Flag Officer In Command, Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado as the guest of honor and speaker.

“Today, as we commission to the service the BRP Mamanwa, let us be reminded that this is a season of transition for us,” Bordado said.

“We are undergoing a shift for a reason, and that reason is because we want to transform into the kind of organization that we aspire to be: a naval defense force that Filipinos can truly be proud of, now and in the years to come,” he added.

BRP Mamanwa has a maiden crew of 10 Navy personnel with augmentation from other Sealift Amphibious Force vessels as well as the Fleet's Maintenance Repair Team from Headquarters Sealift Amphibious Force.

The ship is skippered by its first Commanding Officer, Commander Lyvanjake Cabiente.

It can transport equipment, tracked or wheeled vehicles, and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads and piers.

The ship was refurbished after receiving it from the Korean government.

The ceremony was also attended by Defense Attache of the Republic of Korea Lieutenant Colonel Bae Jung Hoon; Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Alberto Carlos

Members of the Mamanwa tribe also attended the ceremony only virtually due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navy said.—LDF, GMA News