Tuesday 21 November 2017

Phil Navy activates the 1st Japanese mission ready TC-90 donated to the PH



Domo Arigato, Japan.

The Philippine Navy just gained a muscle, through its Naval Air group (NAG) one of the two Beechcraft TC-90 patrol aircraft donated by Japan early this year has been formally activated. The Navy conducted the TC-90’s activation and blessing ceremony of the TC-90 at the Hangar 2, Headquarters Naval Air Group, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.


The Philippine Navy's TC-90 (photo credit to Phil Navy)



Captain Juario C. Marayag, the commanding officer of the Naval Air group in his remarks said that the said aircraft donated by Japan would boost the Naval Air Group Air Operations and Maritime Air Surveillance capabilities.

He said the aircraft would also enhance the skills of the naval aviators and maintenance personnel in handling modern equipment.

“This platform will serve as the gradual transition from the humble Britten Norman Islanders to a much faster, higher and more fixed wing squadron,” he said.

Rear Admiral Gaudencio C. Collado Jr., the commander of the Philippine Fleet and who served as the guest of honor during the activity, said the C90 would have a big role in the maritime air surveillance, which is a critical component of naval operations.

“It provides a bigger and better perspective of the operating environment which is crucial for decision making because it will determine the type of capability needed to address a certain threat,” Collado said.

The plane is now mission-ready and capable of deployment in any areas that the Navy headquarters may deem it so.

The plane will have a tail number 390, the TC -90 prior to its activation was fitted with navigation and maritime air surveillance equipment aside from some other upgrades.

 “The Naval Air Group of the Philippine Fleet truly deserves this modern equipment donated by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force,” Collado said.

“It will boost the capability of the Philippine and enhances the capacity of its personnel primarily in conducting maritime security and sovereignty patrols, as the Navy true to its commitment to protect the seas and secure the nation’s future,” he added.

It was last March of this year, the two units of Beechcraft TC-90 training aircraft arrived at the Naval Air Group (NAG), Naval Base Haracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Three other planes are expected to arrive in the country in the first quarter of 2018.

 

Report from MB.com.ph

 

 

 
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