Philippine WHEC—716 Frigate

PF-16 commonly known as BRP Ramon Alcaraz is a PN (Philippine Navy) Gregorio del Pilar class frigate. From the 1968 — 2012 it was known as the WHEC-716 (USCGC Dallas) and served United States Coast Guard as one of the high endurance cutter. It was later decommissioned on 2012 of March and acquired by Philippines under Excess Defense Articles and Foreign Assistance Act.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is among the second several ex-United States Hamilton—class Coast Guard cutter that will serve Philippine Navy.

The ship was specially designed with a very high level of habitability and it provides a fairly comfortable accommodation to its crews.

Prior to the turn—over to the Philippine Navy, PF—16 ship was armed with Mk.75 Oto Melara 76 mm Compact main gun, and two Mk.38 25mm Bushmaster chain guns at the midships, and Phalanx CIWS system aft. The said CIWS and chain guns were removed prior to the turn—over, and with the Mk.75 gun remaining.

Philippine Navy purchased two new 25mm Bushmaster Autocannons Mk.38 Mod.2 to replace mounts removed by United States Coast Guard.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz has flight deck and hangar capable of handling helicopters. The newly acquired Agusta Westland—AW109 is a good support for the ship.