Coast Guard Cutter Dallas Changeover to Philippines Completed

Aftaer handover to the Philippines, the new name for the ship is BRP Ramon Alcaraz (photo : USCG)

The Charleston-based Coast Guard Cutter Dallas officially transferred to the Philippines military today in a ceremony where America’s long ties to the Asian nation were repeatedly promoted.

Rear Adm. John H. Korn spoke of U.S. and Filipino cooperation during World War II, and the friendship that has been in place for decades.

“I hope she will serve the Philippines as faithfully and capably as she has served the United States of America,” he said during a transfer ceremony.

The American flag came of the Dallas for the last time. The new crew is going under training.

The Dallas is being transferred — without charge — after a 45-year career in U.S. service but amid the realization it had become too costly to maintain.

The boat’s new name will be the Ramon Alcaraz, to honor a Filipino naval officer who captained a torpedo boat in some of the earliest engagements with the Japanese at the start of World War II.

(Post andCourier)