Philippine Navy Acquires Third Hamilton-Class Cutter to Patrol West Philippine Sea

USCG's Boutwell was turned over to the Philippine Navy (Source: USCG)

At a formal turnover ceremony at the Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California in the morning of July 21, 2016, the US Coast Guard's 48-year old Boutwell high-endurance cutter officially became the BRP Andres Bonifacio. Rear Admiral Joseph M. Vojvodich of the US Coast Guard signed the transfer document to Rear Admiral Bayani R. Gaerlan, commander of the Philippine Fleet. Forty Philippine Navy officials and personnel arrived a few days earlier to take over the vessel and be trained by the USCG. The BRP Andres Bonifacio will start its journey to the Philippines in October, to join its sister ships, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, in guarding Philippine waters. 

The Philippine flag now flies at the stern of BRP Andres Bonifacio in Alameda, California (Photo by Gemma Nemenzo)