BRP Ramon Alcaraz: The next WHEC

Sunday , 6, May 2012 Leave a comment

Interaksyon, the news portal of TV5, reports that when the USCGC Dallas will be turned over to the Philippine Navy, it will be renamed the BRP Ramon Alcaraz. The following is an excerpt of the relevant article.

Philippines’ second warship to be named Ramon Alcaraz, World War II hero

06-May-12, 1:54 PM | Chichi Conde, InterAksyon.co

CORREGIDOR — President Benigno Aquino III said the country’s second warship will be named after World War II hero Commodore Ramon Alcaraz.

During the 70th commemoration of the Fall of Corregidor on Sunday, Aquino said the best tribute that the country can offer to fallen heroes like Alcaraz is to build a nation capable of protecting itself.

The second Hamilton-class Cutter from the United States Coast Guard is scheduled to arrive in the country within the month.

Alcaraz, during World War II, commanded one of the country’s three motor torpedo boats, known as Q-boats.

His Q-112 took down three of the nine Japanese “Zero” fighters before he was captured.

In captivity, Alcaraz headed the prisoner of war camp in Malolos to take care of his fellow POWs.

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The following is an excerpt of President Aquino’s speech, where he announced the name of the incoming WHEC:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/department-of-national-defense-philippines/pres-benigno-s-aquino-iiis-speech-during-the-commemoration-of-the-70th-year-sinc/382275861811487

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As I was reviewing the names of our naval heroes, looking for a proper name for our second Hamilton Class Cutter, I read of a man named Ramon Alcaraz, who was commanding one of our three motor torpedo boats, known as Q-boats. Q-112 Abra, manned by Alcaraz and his crew, took down three of the nine Japanese “Zero” fighters attacking his boat, before being captured. In captivity, Alcaraz became head of the Prisoner of War camp in Malolos, making sure that his fellow POWs were kept hopeful and alive.

Commodore Alcaraz was only one among many skilled men in uniform who have served our country. Many continue to follow in his footsteps; and we are determined to reward their patriotism with equal dedication. For certain, many more Commodore Alcarazes will rise from the ranks of our military. We consider it our duty to ensure that their strength of spirit will be matched by boats, by weapons, and by sufficient training. This is the truest tribute we can offer to those who have laid down their lives: a nation capable of protecting itself; a nation that can say no sacrifice will be wasted.

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See the following Timawa.net thread for a discussion about the passing of Admiral Alcaraz: Commanding Officer of Q-112 Abra passes on

Details about the Mosquito Fleet Q-boats can be found on the following Timawa.net discussion: Q-boat reference materials project