MANILA - President Aquino formally welcomed Tuesday the country's newest warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which was acquired from the US Coast Guard. The BRP Alcaraz arrived in the country on Friday, ending an almost 2-month journey fromCharleston, South Carolina with 88 crew and Navy officials on board. The President said the ship will strengthen the Philippines' maritime defense capabilities as well as search and rescue operations. The President also praised the bravery of Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, an officer of the Philippine Navy during World War II. The ship was named after him. "Kaya naman ang hamon ko sa buong hukbong dagat at mga sasakay sa barkong eto isabuhay ninyo ang katapangan at pananagutan ng mga Pilipinong hindi nag-atubiling mag-alay ng dugo't pawis para sa kanilang kapwa at bandila. Isipin na lang ninyo ang katapangan ipinamalas ni Commodore Ramon Alcaraz noong pangalawang digmaaang pandaigdig, siyam na zero fighters ng Hapon; laban sa isang q-boat na yari sa kahoy pero nakapagpabagsak pa si Commodore Alcaraz ng tatlo sa mga eto," he said. ANC Dateline Philippines, August 6, 2013