The Philippine Navy recently held the activation and blessing ceremony in late November of a Beechcraft King Air C-90 aircraft at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.
The aircraft is one of the two King Air C-90 Japan has leased to the Phillippine Navy.
Lt. Sahirul A. Taib, the fleet public affairs officer, said the activity was formally opened by Captain Juario C. Marayag, the commander of the Naval Air Group.
Captain Juario C. Marayag opened the ceremony and voiced that the craft would greatly boost the Naval Air Group Air Operations and Maritime Air Surveillance capabilities and enhance the skills of the team handling the 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 noted the aircraft would be essential in maritime air surveillance, and be a crucial asset to naval operations.
“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.”
Three other planes are expected to arrive in the country in the first quarter of 2018.