Filipino frigate visits Vietnam; search, rescue exercises planned Frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16) of the Filipino navy arrived at the Cam Ranh International Seaport in the south-central Vietnamese province of Khanh Hoa on December 5, 2016. Tuoi Tre A warship of the Filipino naval force has been welcomed in the south-central Vietnamese province of Khanh Hoa. The Philippines’ frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16) arrived at the Cam Ranh International Seaport on Monday morning, commencing its four-day visit to Vietnam. The trip is aimed at strengthening the relationship and cooperation between the Vietnamese and Filipino navies as well as the two nations in general. During their stay in the south-central Vietnamese province, crew members of the FF16 are scheduled to meet with leaders of the provincial People’s Committee and join their counterparts from Vietnam’s 4th Regional Command in search and rescue exercises.             Leaders of Vietnam’s 4th Regional Command (L) shake hands with commanders of the FF16 at the Cam Ranh International Seaport. Photo: Tuoi Tre The FF16 is one of the largest frigates of the Filipino naval force, measuring 115 meters long, 13 meters wide, and weighing 3,250 metric tons. With two engines running on diesel and two turbine systems, the warship can reach a maximum velocity of 54 km per hour and is suitable for several-day long sea patrols in any weather conditions. Inaugurated on March 8, the Cam Ranh International Seaport is aimed at facilitating national defense missions and economic growth, welcoming international military vessels and cruise ships and providing maritime repair and maintenance services. In late October, the port welcomed three vessels carrying 750 sailors and naval officers of the Chinese navy.   Officers from the Filipino navy pose with their Vietnamese counterparts following their arrival at the seaport. Photo: Tuoi Tre TUOI TRE NEWS