28 July 2013 - After 10 days of sailing in the Pacific Ocean from the Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the newly acquired Hamilton-class cutter of the Philippine Navy, arrived safely at the Guam Naval Base at 8:00 a.m. on 27 July 27.
The smiling crew effectively maneuvered to bring the ship to the dockside of Pier “X-ray” at exactly 9:00 a.m. to the delight and excitement of the waiting crowd. As soon as the ship was properly berthed, BRP Alcaraz’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Ernesto O. Baldovino, together with the other officers and crew, went down and made a formation at the pier’s side to meet the welcoming crowd.
The 88 officers and crew of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz were then warmly greeted by the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Guam led by Consul General Bayani V. Mangibin, Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) President Roy S. Adonay and the other members of the Filipino-American community. Also present to meet Capt. Baldovino and his crew were Vice Speaker Benjamin J. F. Cruz and Senator Tina Rose Muna Barnes, Legislative Secretary/Majority Whip, of the 32nd Guam Legislature, Capt. John Ward, Commander of the Naval Base Guam, Col. David B. Riano and Capt. Kenneth Ola of the Guam National Guard. Senator Tina Muna Barnes expressed the warm Hafa Adai greetings on behalf of the Government of Guam, and presented Captain Baldovino a Certificate of Appreciation from the 32nd Guam Legislature which was sponsored by Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr.
After the short welcome ceremonies, Capt. Baldovino invited Consul General Mangibin and the other officials to board the BRP Alcaraz for a short briefing at the war room and tour of the ship.
At noon, the officers and crew of BRP Alcaraz were then treated to a welcome lunch hosted by the FCG, in cooperation with the Consulate, at the Lago Restaurant, Leo Palace Resort Hotel. The event was attended by Consul General Mangibin, Vice Speaker Benjamin J. Cruz, Senator Tina Muna Barnes, Senator Aline Yamashita, and Senator Frank Aguon of the 32nd Guam Legislature, Capt. John Ward, Commander of the Naval Base Guam, Capt. Casey White, Commander of the US Coast Guard Guam, Col. David Riano and Capt. Kenneth Ola of the Guam National Guard. Also in attendance were the officers and members of the Filipino Community of Guam led by FCG President Roy Adonay, former FCG President Ms. Nita Baldovino, FLAG President Ms. Loisa Cabuhat and some members of the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam (FLAG), Ms. Chita Blaise, CEO of the American Red Cross in Guam, Ms. Chet Neri, Marketing Manager of Leo Palace Resort and her husband Ted Neri, as well as Ms. Menchu Suarez, representing Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr.
Hon. Ray Tenorio, Acting Governor of Guam, also graced the reception and expressed the warm “Hafa Adai” spirit and welcome of the Government and people of Guam to the officers and crew of BRP Alcaraz.
On behalf of the Filipino Community of Guam, FCG President Adonay expressed warm welcome and wishes for good voyage for BRP Alcaraz on her way to the Philippines. He also presented the special gifts from FCG Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr. Emelio Uy, for Capt. Baldovino and the ship’s officers and crew.
Capt. Ward, Commander of the Naval Base Guam also presented Captain Baldovino a token of remembrance.
On behalf of the officers and crew of BRP Alcaraz, Capt. Baldovino expressed his appreciation to Consul General Mangibin, FCG President Adonay and the Filipino-American Community of Guam, the Senators and all those present for the very warm welcome accorded to them and for all the assistance extended to ensure that BRP Alcaraz will finally be able to reach its final destination, the Philippines, where it will be put to good use as an added capacity of the Philippine Navy.
BRP Alcaraz will be docked at the Naval Base Guam from July 27 to 28 for refueling and restocking. It is scheduled to depart for Manila at 4:00 p.m. on July 28. END