When sailors from the BRP Ramon Alcaraz took their oath to defend the sovereign nation and secure the land, they are also aware of the responsibilities and consequences of joining the Navy.
Also the threat of any foreign vessels that might enter the territorial, exclusive Economic Zones or even the continental shelf of the Philippines will be a problem for the sailors and officers onboard the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
Commander Jennifer Monforte, the Ship’s captain, recalled the days when he embarked on a journey as the commanding officer of BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
He said that during their tour of duty, they need to stay focused as well as primed for any eventuality at sea during their cruise.
Sailors and officers tend to make themselves comfortable and entertained at times to forget the reality of being so far removed from families and loved ones.
Commander Juan, the morale and welfare and executive officer of BRP Ramon Alcaraz, said that there are also days when sailors and officers may go ashore for events or situations, to fly them out or ship another sailor back to the mainland.
Graduations, deaths, severe sickness, and maternal labors of their wives may be some of the instances where a sailor may choose to leave the ship.
Internet connection was also highly sought after by the sailors and officers aboard the vessel, CDR Monforte said. While internet connection had been established, it remains insufficient for the crew onboard because they also need to use it to communicate with their loved ones.
They also introduce a sunset dinner for the sailors at the flight deck to boost the morale of anyone onboard the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
BRP Ramon Alcaraz has three lounges, all equipped with home theaters, karaoke machines, and comfortable couches so that sailors and officers can spend their leisure.
Gyms, ship stores, and a sick bay tender to the needs of the sailors and officers, they also bolster the welfare and development of the mariners throughout the voyage.
Furthermore, traditions were also being followed by each mariner going onboard the ship, such as if a sailor crosses the equator, he will be called a “Shellback” from being a “Pollywog”.
The line-crossing ceremony commemorates a sailor’s first crossing of the Equator. This tradition invokes good luck on the neophyte sailor.
During this year’s Balikatan Exercises, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, together with BRP Davao del Sur, USS Harpers Ferry and FS Vendémiaire, sailed together to the West Philippine Sea for military drills.
The 3 navies also have their own traditions as well as their sailors, one is the exchange of patches from the uniforms of either the pilots or sailors who board the ships.
A Naval Aviator, LTJG John Marie “Osprey” Manahan from the Naval Air Wing, received a pilot’s patch from the French naval aviator who landed on the flight deck of BRP Ramon Alcaraz during the Balikatan Exercises off the coast of Western Palawan.
LTJG Manahan was a graduate of Philippine Military Academy class 2018.
The reservists onboard the vessel can also have the chance to do the duties of a regular sailor or officer.
Life at sea was different and hard, sailors and officers needed to be more focused, mentally fit, and ready at all times for any incidents, scenarios, or anything that they might encounter at sea during their voyage.