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| Jane's Weekly Interviews Rear Admiral Pama | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 6 2011, 02:26 AM (3,590 Views) | |
| Vermonter | May 6 2011, 02:26 AM Post #1 |
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INTERVIEW Date Posted: 05-May-2011 Jane's Defence Weekly -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview: Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, Commander of the Philippine Navy Gordon Arthur, JDW Correspondent, Manila The Philippines, which comprises 7,107 islands, has the third longest coastline in the world behind Canada and Indonesia. Patrolling this vast expanse of water, coupled with the perennial problem of limited defence funding, is difficult, according to Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, Commander of the Philippine Navy (PN). "The modernisation programme we're undertaking involves a lot of challenges in terms of equipment and in the security threats that we have," he said. Indeed, the PN is widely acknowledged as lagging behind its neighbours in terms of capabilities. The average age of the vessels that make up the navy's inventory is 35 years old and this makes Adm Pama's job all the more demanding. However, the fleet will be boosted by the recent acquisition of a new flagship in the form of former US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hamilton . This vessel will replace BRP Raja Humabon , which was launched in 1943 and is one of the world's oldest warships remaining in service. The seven operational commands of the PN are also facing a rapidly evolving security environment. "The AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] is prioritising internal security operations [ISOs]. Given the new campaign the AFP has of 'winning the peace', the navy plays a significant role in providing the wherewithal for operating units nationwide," said Adm Pama. To this end, the PN is acquiring new helicopters and fast attack craft that will directly support ISOs. The restive south has always represented an intractable problem for Manila. Adm Pama, who was commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao based in the southern port city of Zamboanga until September 2010, is familiar with the intricacies of counter-terrorism. "We harbour no illusions that a military solution is going to resolve the situation down south. It is going to involve a lot of cultural and political solutions," he said. Adm Pama also pointed out that the navy is doing its part in providing the environment for a political solution to become a reality. One key means of achieving this goal is via Coast Watch South (CWS): an integrated network of radar stations, vessels and personnel designed to monitor southern waters. Commenting on the progress of CWS, Adm Pama revealed that the system is operational, although it is being continually upgraded and more stations are being added. "We're taking one small step at a time. The programme is already laid down and the financial resources are available for the next few years," he said. The long-term plan is to integrate it into a nationwide coast watch system. The navy has the lead role in CWS and integral to the system are special forces personnel, with Adm Pama describing the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) as "a very important component". For example, NAVSOG personnel are responsible for interdicting suspicious vessels in Mindanao waters. Adm Pama also commands 10 marine corps battalions. Internal security missions are not the only challenge for the flag officer in command, because the PN is also responsible for territorial defence. On 2 March a survey vessel was harassed by two Chinese patrol ships near the Reed Bank Basin within the Philippine exclusive economic zone. The Spratly Islands, which are believed to be rich in undersea hydrocarbons, are also the centre of a territorial dispute involving Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. When asked what the PN is doing to counter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, Adm Pama explained that the navy was continuing to perform its traditional role of protecting the nation's maritime resources. "Relative to the so-called threat of Chinese ambitions, I think it is more of a political matter with a lot of diplomatic methods being undertaken," he said. However, Adm Pama is adamant the navy is not sitting by idly. "Of course, it would be folly for us to say that we are not doing anything about it. We do have some plans and we have measures being undertaken," he said. Although he was not at liberty to disclose what those measures are, it is reported that they include establishing island radar stations and renovating an airstrip on Pagasa Island. As the PN procures new vessels and equipment under the Navy Sail Plan 2020, Adm Pama is mindful of the human elements that make up the naval force. "Under my watch we will place an emphasis on capacity building and skill building for our people. I will make [sure] that our people are prepared, not only in operating equipment, but also for us to optimise the utilisation of this equipment. That's where my focus is right now," he said. Meanwhile, as part of the navy's Capability Upgrade Programme the fleet will be enlarged and modernised. "Based on the needs we have, we are awaiting smaller vessels that will address the requirements for ISOs," he said, "and at the same time we are already pursuing the acquisition of vessels able to handle the environment around us." Even though a senate inquiry is under way concerning alleged corruption in the AFP, Adm Pama is a staunch advocate of the 22,000 men and women he leads. "One of the strengths I'm proud of as far as the navy is concerned is human resources. We do not lack in the quality and quantity of people," he added. **Not to be reposted on Google's Defense Studies Blogspot** www.janes.com |
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| Blue Maxxx | May 6 2011, 02:01 PM Post #2 |
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Enough Of these Jane's Interviews... Admiral Pama should act now rather than do the Talk, talk...
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Per Ardua ad Astra "Through Adversity to the Stars"! We Filipinos should always aim High! to the Stars! and Beyond them blue yonder!.![]() | |
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| Vermonter | May 8 2011, 08:34 AM Post #3 |
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Admiral Pama is doing many things. |
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| Blue Maxxx | May 8 2011, 02:24 PM Post #4 |
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Yes! I know Admiral Pama is doing his best to bring the PN to status capable defense mode.. |
Per Ardua ad Astra "Through Adversity to the Stars"! We Filipinos should always aim High! to the Stars! and Beyond them blue yonder!.![]() | |
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| slayermoonlight | May 8 2011, 11:30 PM Post #5 |
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What's with the ranting? Don't you think is rather odd a highly-recognized military correspondent & publishing company would bother interviewing an admiral commanding a derelict navy? We should actually be optimistic because at least the world begins to take notice and recognize our Navy's: - efforts to modernize despite meager budget. - clear objective of defeating insurgency (both militarily and non-militarly) as soon as possible, once and for all. |
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(\__/) (='.'=) This is Bunny. Copy and paste Bunny to your (")_(") signature to help him make his way towards world domination. | |
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| spearhead | May 14 2011, 08:30 PM Post #6 |
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DoctorNO, Your Neutral Observer.
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It's all about recycled plans dude. It's like we're orbiting the moon again for the 3rd time, all this time. Look at my eyes, its ALL WHITE now!
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"Men of War must learn the art of numbers or he will not know how to array his troops." - Plato![]() ![]() | |
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| slayermoonlight | May 15 2011, 11:09 AM Post #7 |
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so what do you think should be the appropriate answer of Admiral Pama when he was interviewed by Jane's? Adm. Pama to Jane's: "No comment." [that's it end of interview. Pama leaves the set and goes back to work] sheeshh for Christ' sake! bakit ba ang init ng ulo nyo sa interview? If you want the AFP, or for that matter, the whole Philippine to improve, vote for the right people and pay taxes. And wag maging corrupt ang Pilipino (not only the politicos and general, but down to the baranggay level and to the Masa). oh man here we go again with the OT preaching. sheesshh... to think it's just an interview. wala na ba tayong talagang magawang iba kundi magreklamo at mambatikos??? |
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(\__/) (='.'=) This is Bunny. Copy and paste Bunny to your (")_(") signature to help him make his way towards world domination. | |
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| AZKALS | May 17 2011, 03:54 PM Post #8 |
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I AGREE, we should give them our 100% support instead of continued criticism which is very unproductive...
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| Vermonter | Jun 10 2011, 02:42 PM Post #9 |
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www.janes.com Administration, Philippines Date Posted: 11-Mar-2011 Jane's Fighting Ships -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction Country Overview Headquarters Appointments Personnel Organisation Marine Corps Bases Prefix to Ships' Names Strength of the Fleet National Flag and Ensign 1043038 Country Overview TOP The Republic of the Philippines was formally proclaimed in 1946. Situated between Taiwan to the north and Indonesia and Malaysia to the south, the country comprises about 7,100 islands with a total coastline of 19,597 n miles with the South China, Philippine and Celebes Seas. Eleven islands, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Luzon, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, and Samar, contain the majority of the population. Most remaining islands are less than 1 square mile in area. The capital, principal city and port is Manila. Other important ports include Davao, Cebu and Zamboanga. An archipelagic state, territorial seas (12 n miles) are claimed. A 200 n mile EEZ has also been claimed but the limits have not been defined. Headquarters Appointments TOP Flag Officer-in-Command: Rear Admiral Alexander P Pama Commander Fleet: Rear Admiral José Alano Commandant Coast Guard: Vice Admiral Wilfredo D Tamayo Commandant Marines: Major General Rustico Guerrero Personnel TOP (a) 2011: 22,000 Navy; 8,700 Marines; 3,500 Coast Guard (b) Reserves: 17,000 Organisation TOP The Naval Headquarters is at Manila. The fleet is divided into functional units including the Ready Force, Patrol Force, Service Force, Assault Craft Force, Naval Air Group and Naval Special Warfare Group. There are six operational areas of responsibility: Southern Luzon; Northern Luzon; Central; West; Western Mindanao and Eastern Mindanao. The Coast Guard was transferred to the Department of Transport and Communication in 1998. There are eight Coast Guard Districts, 47 stations and 154 Coast Guard Detachment units. Marine Corps TOP Marines comprise three tactical brigades composed of 10 tactical battalions, one support regiment, a service group, a guard battalion and a reconnaissance battalion. Headquarters at Ternate, Manila Bay. Deployed in Mindanao and Palawan. Bases TOP Main: Cavite. Operational: San Vicente, Mactan, Ternate. Stations: Cebu, Davao, Legaspi, Bonifacio, Tacloban, San Miguel, Ulugan, Balabne, Puerto Princesa, Pagasa. Prefix to Ships' Names TOP BRP: Barko Republika Pilipinas Strength of the Fleet TOP Type Active Building Frigates 1 (4) Corvettes 12 - Fast Attack Craft 8 - Large Patrol Craft 4 1 (3) Coastal Patrol Craft 34 2 LPD - (2) LST/LSV Transports 7 - LCM/LCU/RUC/LCVP 44 - Repair Ship 1 - Tankers 4 - Coast Guard Tenders 4 - Patrol Craft 58 - www.janes.com |
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| Samir_Duran | Jun 10 2011, 05:40 PM Post #10 |
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THE GHOST
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I second the motion. Being pessimistic and negative attracts the same energy. This may sound like "recycled" but hey this is different, see! The new proud flagship of our very own navy. Aren't you grateful about that? Aren't you proud that your a Filipino born at this time of the Philippine history? Don't you feel the same feeling every time we see Manny Pacquiao brings honor to our country every time he wins a fight? We should be happy on what we have and what we are going to have, instead of ranting and being unhappy about what is going on.
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8:46 AM Jul 11