Philippine Navy

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Philippine Navy
Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas

Seal of the Philippine Navy
Founded May 20, 1898[1]
Country Philippines
Type Navy
Size

24,000 active duty personnel

Over 100 ships and 20+ aircraft[2]
Headquarters Manila
Engagements Philippine Revolution
Spanish-American War
Philippine-American War
World War II
Communist Insurgencies
Islamic Insurgencies
Scarborough Shoal standoff
Zamboanga City crisis
Website www.navy.mil.ph
Commanders
Flag Officer in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Luis M. Alano
Insignia
Pennant and Naval Jack

The Philippine Navy (Filipino: Hukbóng Dagat ng Pilipinas; abbreviation: PN) is the naval warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and one of the three uniformed services of the Republic of the Philippines. It has an estimated of 24,000 active personnel and operates 101 ships in active service.[2]

Mission

"To organize, train, equip, maintain, develop and deploy forces for prompt and sustained naval and maritime operations in support of the Unified Commands in the accomplishment of the AFP mission".
—Based on the 2007 Integrity Development Review of the AFP–Philippine Navy by the EC–OMB Corruption Prevention Project[3]

It’s powers and functions are as follows:[4]

  • "To organize, train, equip, maintain and operate naval forces and naval aircraft including naval reserve units, necessary to provide water-borne support and assistance required by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the accomplishment of its mission"
  • "To assist the proper governmental agencies in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to navigation, immigration, customs revenue, opium, quarantine, fishing and neutrality in the territorial and contiguous waters of the Philippine Archipelago"
  • "To develop, in coordination with the other major services and area commands the doctrines, procedures, and naval equipment for joint operations, and the doctrines and procedures for amphibious operations"

History

Main article: Military history of the Philippines

Pre-colonial Period

Before the Spanish arrived in the Philippines the early Filipinos were engaged in naval warfare, trade, piracy, travel and communication using balangay.[5] A flotilla of balangay was discovered in the late 1970s in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.[6]

Creation of naval forces (on Spanish Era)

The Republic's need for a naval force was first provided for by Filipino revolutionaries when they included a provision in the Biák-na-Bató Constitution. This authorised the government to permit privateers to engage foreign enemy vessels.[7]

(w)hen the necessary army is organized … for the protection of the coasts of the Philippine archipelago and its seas; then a secretary of the navy shall be appointed and the duties of his office added to this Constitution.
—Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on the Biák-na-Bató Constitution[7]

On May 1, 1898, the first ship handed by Admiral George Dewey to the Revolutionary Navy is a small pinnace from the Reina Cristina of Admiral Patricio Montojo, which was named Magdalo.[7]

The Philippine Navy was established during the second phase of the Philippine Revolution when General Emilio Aguinaldo formed the Revolutionary Navy which was initially composed of a small fleet of eight Spanish steam launches captured from the Spaniards. The ships were refitted with 9 centimenter guns. The rich namely Leon Apacible, Manuel Lopez and Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio, later donated five other vessels of greater tonnage, the Taaleño, the Balayan, the Bulusan, the Taal and the Purísima Concepción. The 900-ton inter-island tobacco steamer further reinforced the fleet, Compania de Filipinas (renamed as the navy flagship Filipinas), steam launches purchased from China and other watercraft donated by wealthy patriots.[7][8]

Naval stations were later established to serve as ships' home bases in the following:[8]

  • Ports of Aparri
  • Ports of Legaspi
  • Ports of Balayan
  • Ports of Calapan
  • Ports of San Roque, Cavite

On September 26, 1898, Aguinaldo appointed Captain Pascual Ledesma (a merchant ship captain) as Director of the Bureau of the Navy, assisted by Captain Angel Pabie (another merchant ship captain). After passing of the Malolos Constitution the Navy was transferred from the Ministry of Foreign Relations to the Department of War (thereafter known as the Department of War and the Navy) headed by Gen. Mariano Trías.[7][8]

As the tensions between Filipinos and Americans erupted in 1899 and continued blockade on naval forces by the Americans, the Philippine naval forces started to be decimated.[7]

American Colonial Period (1901–1941)

Main article: Philippine–American War
A U.S. Navy Vought O2U Corsair floatplane flying over the Cavite Navy Yard, c. 1930.

The American colonial government in the Philippines created the Bureau of the Coast Guard and Transportation, which aimed to maintain peace and order, transport Philippine Constabulary troops throughout the archipelago, and to guard against smuggling and piracy. The Americans employed many Filipino sailors in this bureau and in the Bureaus of Customs and Immigration, Island and Inter-Island Transportation, Coast and Geodetic Survey, and Lighthouses and also reopened the former Spanish colonial Escuela Nautica de Manila, which was renamed the Philippine Nautical School, adopting the methods of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. The U.S. Naval Academy accepted its first Filipino midshipman in 1919, and Filipinos were able to enlist in the U.S. Navy, just as they were formerly able to do in the Spanish Navy.[7]

World War II (1941–1945)

Main article: Military history of the Philippines during World War II
Sangley Point Cavite Navy Yard burning after a Japanese air attack on 10 December 1941. Small-arms shells explode (left) and a torpedo-loaded barge (center) burns.

In 1935, the Commonwealth Government passed the National Defense Act, which aimed to ensure the security of the country. This was criticized because it placed the burden of the defense of the Philippines on ground forces, which in turn, was formed from reservists. It discounted the need for a Commonwealth air force and navy, and naval protection was provided by the United States Asiatic Fleet.[7]

"A relatively small fleet of such vessels, ...will have distinct effect in compelling any hostile force to approach cautiously and by small detachments."
—Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Military Advisor to the Philippines regarding the newest Offshore Patrol (OSP) PT boats[9]

When World War II began, the Philippines had no significant naval forces after the United States withdrew the Asiatic Fleet following the Attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Philippines had to rely on its OSP with headquarters located at Muelle Del Codo, Port Area, Manila which composed of a high-speed Thorneycroft Coast Motor Boat (CMB) 55-foot (17 m) and 65-foot (20 m) PT boats, to repel Japanese attacks from the sea.[7][8]

During the course of the war, surviving personnel of the Offshore Patrol conducted guerilla hit-and-run attacks against the occupying Japanese forces.[7]

Post-World War II Era

In 1945, after the liberation of the Philippines, the OSP was reactivated and was strengthened in 1947 after President of the Philippines Manuel Roxas issued Executive Order No. 94. This order elevated the Patrol to a major command that was equal with the Philippine Army, Constabulary, and Air Force. The Patrol was renamed the Philippine Naval Patrol, with Jose Andrada as its first commodore and chief[7][8] It was also the year when the naval aviation arm of the Navy was formed, which is now the Naval Air Group.

Subic Bay Naval Base c. 1981. Take note BRP Tarlac (LT-500) and BRP Rizal (PS-69 old hull no.) in the background
Subic Bay Naval Base during the military presence of the United States in the Philippines.

In 1950, Secretary of Defense Ramon Magsaysay created a marine battalion with which to carry out amphibious attacks against the Communist Hukbalahap movement. The next year, President Elpidio Quirino issued Executive Order No. 389, re-designating the Philippine Naval Patrol as the Philippine Navy. It was to be composed of all naval and Marine forces, combat vessels, auxiliary craft, naval aircraft, shore installations, and supporting units that were necessary to carry out all functions of the service.[7]

In the succeeding decades, the Philippine Navy organized the following units (aside from the Marines):

  • Naval Shore Establishment
  • Naval Operating Forces
  • Philippine Coast Guard
  • Home Defense Command
  • Military Sealift and Terminal Command

1960s and beyond

During the 1960s, the Philippine Navy was one of the best-equipped navies in Southeast Asia. Many of the countries in the region gained independence between World War II and the 1960s. In 1967, the maritime law enforcement functions of the Navy were transferred to the Philippine Coast Guard. The duties stayed with the coast guard and in the 1990s it became an independent service under the Department of Transportation and Communications.[7]

After the 1960s, the government had to shift its attention towards the Communist insurgency and this led to the strengthening of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force while naval operations were confined to troop transport, naval gunfire support, and blockade.[7]

Present situation

The 1992 withdrawal of the United States from its bases in the Philippines, such as Subic Naval Base, forced the Philippine Navy to rely on its own resources. The withdrawal is now largely seen as the inevitable and natural consequence of the end of the Cold War following the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. It also resulted in a security vacuum in the region where tensions owing to deep-seated historic animosities and geopolitical disputes persisted. The pull-out also drew renewed attention to potential flashpoints, such as the Korean Peninsula and the Spratly Islands, that could bring nations into open conflict in the future. These developments hastened the 1995 passage of the AFP Modernization Law by the Philippine Congress whose goal is to strengthen defense capabilities.[7]

Organization

2013 Facade, entrance
Philippine Navy headquarter building in Metro Manila.
Philippine Navy rigid hull inflatable boats perform a maritime interdiction operation exercise in Manila Bay.

The Philippine Navy is administered through the Department of National Defense (DND). Under the AFP structure, the Chief of Staff, AFP (CSAFP), a four-star general/admiral (if the officer is a member of the Philippine Navy), is the most senior military officer. The senior naval officer is the Flag Officer-in-Command (FOIC), usually with a rank of vice admiral. He, along with his or her air force and army counterparts, is junior only to the CSAFP. The FOIC is solely responsible for the administration and operational status of the Navy.[8][10]

Currently the navy establishment is actually composed of two type commands, the Philippine Fleet and Philippine Marine Corps (PMC). It is further organized into seven naval operational commands, five naval support commands, and seven naval support units.[10] Considering the vastness of the territorial waters that the Navy has to protect and defend, optimal deployment of naval resources is achieved through identification of suitable locations where the presence of these units are capable of delivering responsive services.[8][10]

The Philippine Fleet, or simply the "Fleet", is under the direct command of the Commander Philippine Fleet while the marine corps is answerable to the commandant, PMC (CPMC). However, due to the fact that the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is a large part of the Philippine Navy, the FOIC retains much administrative control over the PMC.[8]

Naval Operational Commands

The seven Naval Operation Commands are as follows:[10]

  • Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NAVFORNOL)
  • Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL)
  • Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST)
  • Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN)
  • Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NAVFORWESMIN)
  • Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NAVFOREASTMIN)
  • Fleet Marine Ready Force

NAVFORWEM and NAVFOREM were formed in August 2006 when Southern Command was split to allow more effective operations against Islamist and Communist rebels within the region.[11]

Naval Support Commands

The five Naval Support Commands are as follows:[10]

  • Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC)
  • Naval Education and Training Command (NETC)
  • Naval Reserve Command (NAVRESCOM)
  • Naval Construction Brigade (NCBde)
  • Naval Base Cavite

Naval Sea Systems Command

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC), formerly known Naval Support Command (NASCOM), is the biggest industrial complex of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It operates the country's military shipyards, develops new technologies for the Navy, and conducts maintenance on all the Navy's ships. NSSC's principal facilities are at the offshore operating base at Muelle de Codo and at Fort San Felipe in Cavite City.[11]

Naval Education and Training Command

The Naval Education & Training Command (NETC) is the Philippine Navy's institution of learning. Its mission is to provide education and training to naval personnel so that they may be able to pursue progressive naval careers. NETC is located in Naval Station San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales.[11][12]

Naval Reserve Command

Main article: Philippine Navy Reserve Command

The Naval Reserve Command (NAVRESCOM) organizes, trains, and keeps tabs on all naval reservists (which includes the Naval Reserve Corps Training Units midshipmen and midshipwomen). It is responsible for recalling reservists to meet sudden spikes in military manpower demand, as for war, rebellion or natural disaster. The NAVRESCOM is presently based at Fort Santiago, Manila. It was formerly known as the Home Defense Command.[11]

Naval Construction Brigade

The Naval Construction Brigade (NCBde), more popularly known as the "SeaBees", is tasked with naval construction and combat engineering operations. It primarily performs construction and rehabilitation of piers, harbors and beach facilities, harbor clearing and salvage works, construction of roads, bridges and other vital infrastructures.[11]

Naval Base Cavite

Naval Base Cavite (NBC) provides support services to the Philippine Navy and other AFP tenant units in the base complex, such as refueling, re-watering, shore power connections, berthing, ferry services, tugboat assistance, sludge disposal services and housing.[11]

Naval support units

A Philippine Navy SWAG climbs a caving ladder aboard the logistics support vessel during a maritime interdiction operation exercise.
A Philippine Naval SWAG participates in a battlefield exercise during a combat medic at Naval Base Cavite.

The seven Naval Support Units are as follows:[10]

  • Naval Intelligence and Security Force
  • Philippine Navy Finance Center
  • Naval Logistics Center
  • Manila Naval Hospital
  • Cavite Naval Hospital
  • Bonifacio Naval Station
  • Headquarters Philippine Navy & Headquarters Support Group

Fleet

The Philippine Navy has only one fleet, the Philippine Fleet. The terms "Philippine Navy" and "Philippine Fleet" are therefore interchangeable. As a type command, the fleet has four major units: the Ready Force, Service Force, Patrol Force, and Assault Craft Force; one support group, the Fleet Support Group; and two special units, the Naval Air Group and Naval Special Warfare Group.[8][10]

Female crew

The first female officers who served as officers-in-charge of a diesel fast craft (DF-343) were 1LT's Dahlia Ong Nograles and Ester Santos Bautista WAC(PN) with twelve female enlisted sailors from April 1995 to 1996. They were tagged as the First "All Female Crew" of the Philippine Navy during the leadership of then Vice Admiral Pio Carranza AFP, Flag Officer-In-Command, PN.[13]

Marines

Main article: Philippine Marine Corps

The Philippine Marine Corps evolved from a company of volunteers to three Marines Brigades, eleven Marine Battalion Landing Teams, a Combat and Service Support Brigade, one Reconnaissance Battalion, Training Center, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Security Escort Group and Marine Reserve Brigades; and various support and independent units.[14]

Future of the Philippine Navy

Main article: AFP Modernization Act

The Philippine Navy, together with the entire armed forces as a whole, is embarking on a modernization and upgrade program under the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP). This is in line with the Philippine Navy Strategic Sail Plan 2020.[15]

Ocean-going Escort Vessel (Hamilton class)

BRP Gregorio del Pilar transits out of Hawaii, 29 July 2011

Early in 2011, the Philippine Navy announced the acquisition of an ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton Class high-endurance cutter and expected it to be ready for active deployment by the middle of the same year.[16][17] The ship acquired was the former USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715),[18] renamed BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) which was officially turned over to the Philippine Navy on 13 May 2011 at Alameda Point in California. It was retrofitted and modified in the US, replacing systems removed by the USCG. The ship's arrival ceremonies were on 23 August 2011 in Manila,[19] and it was commissioned on 14 December 2011.[20]

A second Hamilton class ship, the USCGC Dallas (WHEC-716) was turned over to the Philippine Navy on 22 May 2012[21] (23 May 2012 Philippine standard time),[22] with ceremonies held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Pier Papa in North Charleston, South Carolina.[23] The ship was named BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) in Philippine Navy service. Like its sister ship, it was retrofitted and modified in the US, replacing systems removed by the USCG.[24] It was previously expected to arrive in the Philippines by February 2013.[25][26][27] However, further training and unspecified upgrades on the ship pushed the arrival of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz to August 2013.[28] The ship's arrival ceremony was held at Subic Harbor on August 6, 2013, led by President Aquino.[29] She was commissioned on Nov. 22, 2013.[30]

A third Hamilton class ship was also projected to be procured by 2013, probably the USCGC Jarvis although this ship was later turned over to Bangladesh.[31][32][33] The plan to get more Hamilton-class cutters was put on-hold on late 2012 as the budget allocated will instead be used to improve the capability of the Gregorio del Pilar and Ramon Alcaraz. The government will still be open in getting more ships as more funds are approved.[26]

Multi-purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC)

The Philippine Navy received the first batch of three Taiwanese-built[34] Multi-purpose attack crafts (MPAC), which are similar to the Swedish Combat Boat 90. These were presented during the 111th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy in May 2009.[35]

The 1st 3 MPACs are around 15 meters long and are equipped with a water jet system. It has a maximum speed of 40 knots (74 km/h) and could reach around 300 nautical miles (560 km) while traveling on a transit speed of 30 knots (56 km/h). It is made of welded aluminum and can carry 16 fully equipped soldiers and 4 crew members or a payload of 2 tons. The ships are armed with one 50-caliber machine gun and two 7.62mm machine guns.[36]

Another MPAC, with modifications as compared to the 1st 3 units; this time was built by a local company Propmech Corporation was received during the 114th anniversary celebrations of the Philippine Navy on 22 May 2012,[25] with 2 more delivered on 6 August 2012.[37][38][39] Up to a total of 42 units are expected to enter service in the near future.[40][41]

Another batch of 3 MPACs are planned to be procured and announced in the near future.[42] These MPACs are scheduled to be acquired from 2013 to 2017.[43]

In February 4,2014, a Philippine Navy official told that the Navy is going to modernize it's current fleet of MPACs, which includes installation of more advanced radar and sensor equipment and possibly of more longer range weaponry such as anti-ship missiles.[44]

Small Unit Riverine Crafts

On August 15, 2013, 6 US-made small unit riverine crafts(SURC) arrived at the Philippine Marine Headquarters. These were manufactured by aluminum vessel manufacturer Silver Ships.[45]

The brand new 40-foot vessels were transferred to the country under the Foreign Military Sales program through which the US government facilitated the procurement of the items for the Navy.[45]

The boats were ordered through FMS in 2011 and manufacturing was completed in 2012. Transport and freight problems, however, delayed the boats' delivery from May 2013 to August 2013.[45]

The Philippine Navy officially received the SURCs from US during the handover ceremony conducted on September 25 at the PN headquarters in Manila. These vessels will provide platform for command and control, reconnaissance, logistic/resupply, medical evacuation, counter-drug operations, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and non-combatant evacuation operations & will be deployed to augment sea-based forces to address terrorism and lawlessness. The combined amount for the purchase of the 6 units is $12M.[46] The boats were reportedly be used in shallow water operations but are also capable of traversing open waters.[45]

Landing Craft Utility (LCU)

The construction of a Landing Craft Utility (LCU) was awarded on March 2010[47] to a joint venture of local shipbuilders Philippine Iron Construction and Marine Works (PICMW) Inc. and PROPMECH Corporation.[48][49] It was commissioned with the Philippine Navy on 14 December 2011 as BRP Tagbanua (AT-296).[20]

Offshore Patrol Vessel

Media reports of the Philippine Navy's plan to purchase three (3) Offshore Patrol Vessels was made, although there were initially no details available regarding their specifications.[49] However, only two (2) units were listed as part of the priority items in the list for purchase between 2012 to 2016 presented by the armed forces to the House of Representatives’ committee on national defense and security last 26 January 2011.[50][51]

On 6 May 2011, a solicitation notice was posted on the United States Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website on behalf of the Republic of the Philippines for "a general purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)".[52]

Navantia has submitted to Philippines the sophisticated patrol Avante 1800 to qualify for a bidding contest that will be convened later this year (2013).[53]

Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV) & Multi-Role Vessel (MRV - Amphibious Transport Dock)

The original strategic sealift vessel project was based on a proposal to acquire a converted Ro-Ro (Roll On - Roll Off) vessel from Japan as recommended by the Center of Naval Leadership & Excellence on 2009. Purchase and technical assistance was to be provided by the DBP Maritime Leasing Corporation Inc. (DMLC).[54] It was one of the priority items in the wish list for purchase between 2012 to 2016 presented by the armed forces to the House of Representatives’ committee on national defense and security on 26 January 2011.[50][51] But this project did not push through due to delays in budget allocation and with the ship being offered and sold to another buyer.

Initially a separate project from the Strategic Sealift Vessel, the Department of National Defense (DND) was rushing the acquisition of one or two multi-role vessels (MRV) for the Philippine Navy through government-to-government contract at a cost of 5 to 10 billion pesos. Initially the reported source of the said ships are either South Korea or Singapore.[55] Previous statements and news reports indicate that the Multi-role Vessels are comparable to Landing Platform Docks operated by foreign navies like the Singaporean Endurance class or the Spanish Galicia class.[56] It was confirmed later on that the ship would be from South Korea [57] and is a variant of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) Makassar class LPD, and is packaged with four (4) units Samsung Techwin KAAV-7 Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV), two (2) units Daesun 23-meter Landing Craft Utility LCU-23, four (4) units 9.8-meter Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats, one (1) unit truck-based Mobile Hospital, two (2) units Kia KM-250 2½-ton troop trucks, two (2) units Kia KM-450 1¼-ton troop trucks, two (2) units Kia KM-450 Ambulances, two (2) units Kia Retona 1/4-ton utility vehicles, and one (1) unit forklift/cargo handling equipment.[58]

In May 2011, reports surfaced on the possible acquisition of three (3) landing platform docks from Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL. This would be of indigenous design and will have no resemblance to the previously constructed model for the Indonesian Navy, the Makassar class, which was of South Korean origin.[59] This would represent another option as South Korea has been reportedly pushing for the sale of at least one (1) platform based on the Indonesian Navy Makassar-class. As of December 2011, the Philippine Navy was already cleared to start negotiations for the ship/s from any friendly nations with a budget of PhP 5 billion.[60]

With the cancellation of the original SSV project, the two projects were combined as the Strategic Sealift Vessel based on the original Multi-Role Vessel parameters and requirements. Based on the “Philippine Fleet Desired Force Mix” strategy concept publicly released on May 2012, the Philippine Navy requires at least 4 Strategic Sealift Vessels to be available by 2020.[41]

On May 24, 2013, The DND announced the proposed acquisition of two service support vessels (SSVs) worth P2 billion each describing the ships as vessels smaller than the original MRV requirement but are still capable of moving a battalion of troops with their armored vehicle complement, and a platform for search and rescue operations which could be fitted with hospital facilities, and equipped with a helipad.[61][62] On August 29, 2013, the DND declared PT PAL of Indonesia as the winner of the two SSVs and considered as the "lone eligible bidder" with a bid price of P3,963,999,520.00. Other firms bought bid documents but never pursue their interest in the actual bidding procedures.[63]

Submarine

Reports as of May 2011 indicate that the Philippine Navy is eyeing the purchase of its first submarine not later than 2020, although no further details were provided.[64][65] The “Philippine Fleet Desired Force Mix” strategy concept publicly released on May 2012 indicates the requirement of at least 3 submarines for deterrence and undersea warfare to be available by 2020.[41]

Naval Helicopters

In September 2011, a plan to purchase two multi-purpose shipboard helicopters to be assigned to the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and another upcoming ex-USCG cutter was announced.[66] There were no specific models specified yet, although consideration for the ship's telescopic hangar may dictate the helicopter's size. As of 14 December 2011 it was announced that the navy will purchase five shipboard helicopters, in contrast to the earlier announcement of only 2 helicopters.[20]

It was announced that the Department of National Defense was negotiating for five AgustaWestland AW109 naval helicopters worth Php 2.2 billion funded jointly by the AFP Modernization Program and Department of Energy. These will be used for maritime security, internal security operations and disaster response, and are also expected to accompany navy vessels when conducting patrols.[67] A contract was signed on 20 December 2012 for an initial three AgustaWestland AW109 Power naval helicopters worth Php 1,337,176,584.00 (around $32.6 million).[68][69] The Dept. of National Defense expects the aircraft to be delivered and commissioned by December this year.[70][71]

On 18 June 2013, it was reported that there were already PN personnel that were undergoing training for the new AgustaWestland AW109 Power naval helicopters.[72] 3 units out of 5 ordered were delivered to the Navy last December 8, 2013, and were assembled at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.[73] The choppers are to be commissioned on January.[73]

A separate requirement for two anti-submarine helicopters worth Php 5.0 billion was also announced and would be funded by the AFP Modernization Program under the Medium Term Capability Development Program (MTCDP 2013-2017).[74][75]

The “Philippine Fleet Desired Force Mix” strategy concept publicly released on May 2012 indicated the requirement of at least 18 Naval Helicopters embarked on frigates and corvettes for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), over-the-horizon targeting (OTHT) for anti-ship missiles, and search & rescue (SAR). The navy also requires at least 8 Multi-Purpose Helicopters embarked on the Strategic Sealift Vessels for utility lift, ASW and SAR missions.[41]

Deep Water Patrol Vessel (Frigate)

This requirement came out during the recent visit to Italy of a Philippine delegation led by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. The Philippine DND delegation signed an agreement with their Italian counterparts for possible purchase of Italian weapons systems. This visit included inspections of combat ready ships of the Maestrale and Soldati classes of the Italian Navy, which are scheduled for retirement, with the earliest possibly by 2013. No indication of sales were made yet.[76]

During the 2012 State of the Nation Address last 23 July 2012, the president announced that the Philippine Navy is canvassing for a frigate which would be delivered within 2013.[77]

At a DND press conference held on 2 August 2012, it was announced that negotiations were currently ongoing for the acquisition of 2 Maestrale-class frigates.[77][78] As of December 2012, the Italian defense minister Giampaolo di Paola confirmed that discussions are already in the advanced stages.[79] The negotiations for the Maestrale class ships did not materialize any sale, with the Philippine government opting to buy new frigates instead.[80]

On March 3, 2013, it was reported by the Philippine News Agency that a South Korean defense manufacturer talked with the Department of National Defense regarding its requirements for two brand new frigates. The company is offering the Philippine Navy varieties of the Incheon class frigates.[81] Other countries reported to be offering new frigates are the United States, Israel, Croatia and Australia.[82]

In early October, DND announced the invitation to bid for the 2 brand-new frigates with an approved budget of Php18B. The package includes complete weapons system and must be delivered within 1,460 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit. Pre-bidding was scheduled on October 11 and the first stage of bidding would be on October 25.[83]

On Dec. 7, 2013, it was reported that 4 firms have qualified for the next stage of the bidding. The firms are Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inc.[84]

In addition to the new ships on bid, the navy is seeking to acquire 2 more frigates, probably used ones from the United States.[85]

Anti-Submarine Corvettes

It was reported that the Philippine Navy is in the market for four (4) anti-submarine corvettes, each weighing at around 2,000 tonnes.[86] IHS Jane's reported on 8 August 2012 that the Philippine and Italian governments are in discussion for the possible purchase at least 2 Minerva class corvettes.[87]

Based on the “Philippine Fleet Desired Force Mix” strategy concept publicly released on May 2012, the Philippine Navy requires at least 12 corvettes for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and with an embarked naval helicopter to be available by 2020.[41]

Amphibious Assault Vehicles

On September 2013, the DND invited bidders for Amphibious Assault Vehicles Acquisition Project of 8 brand-new units of amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) with Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) for the Philippine Navy amounted to Php2.5B. Delivery is required for 850 days from the opening of the letter of credit. This acquisition is part of the PN's MRV/SSV or "Mother Ship" Project which will serve as platform for insertion of troops in beaches in an event of military siege.[88][89]

Auxiliary Vessels

On February 7, 2014, the Philippine Navy announced it's acquisition of three medium-sized refueling tankers that will boost the Navy's "RAS" or "replensishment at sea" capability.[90] The ships will come from the Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC) and will arrive by May, during the Navy's 116th founding anniversary celebration.[91]

Equipment

The Philippine Navy operates around 130 ships and several aircraft.

Ships

Further information: List of ships of the Philippine Navy and List of decommissioned ships of the Philippine Navy

The names of commissioned ships of the Philippine Navy are prefixed with the letters "BRP", designating "Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas" (Ship of the Republic of the Philippines). The names of ships are often selected to honor important people and places.

The Philippine Navy is currently operating 3 frigates. There are 11 active corvettes and numerous patrol boats, 11 amphibious landing ships and 7 auxiliary ships.

Naval Air Group

The Naval Air Group comprises naval air assets. It prepares and provides these forces for naval operations with assets mainly for maritime reconnaissance and support missions. The group's headquarters is at Danilo Atienza Air Base, Cavite City.

Units

  • Naval Aviation Squadron MF-30 - operates BN-2A Islander
  • Naval Aviation Squadron MF-40 - operates MBB Bo 105C
  • Naval Air School Center NATS-50 - operates Cessna 172 and Robinson R-22

Aircraft

AW109
Main article: List of active military aircraft of the Philippines

Bases

A U.S. Air Force United States Space Surveillance Network (SPACETRACK) dish antenna at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui

In line with HPN General Order No. 229 dated 7 July 2009, the Philippine Navy has adopted new names for its bases and stations to pay homage to distinguished naval leaders. The new base names, followed by the old base names are as follows:[95]

Naval bases

Naval stations

  • Naval Station Jose Andrada (Fort San Antonio Abad), City of Manila - Current headquarters of the Philippine Navy
  • Naval Station Jose Francisco (Bonifacio Naval Station), Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila
  • Naval Station Pascual Ledesma (Fort San Felipe), Cavite City
  • Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar (Naval Station Poro Point), Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union - Headquarters of NAVFORNOL
  • Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui (Naval Station San Miguel), San Antonio, Zambales - Headquarters, NETC
  • Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon (Naval Station Puerto Princesa), Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
  • Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (Naval Station Ulugan), Ulugan, Palawan
  • Naval Station Narciso Del Rosario (Naval Station Balabac), Balabac Island, Palawan
  • Naval Station Emilio Liwanag (Naval Station Pag-asa), Pag-asa, Kalayaan Islands, Palawan
  • Naval Station Julhasan Arasain (Naval Station Legaspi), Rawis, Legazpi City, Albay - Headquarters of NAVFORSOL
  • Naval Station Alfonso Palencia (Naval Station Guimaras), Guimaras
  • Naval Station Dioscoro Papa (Naval Station Tacloban), Tacloban City, Leyte
  • Naval Station Felix Apolinario (Naval Station Davao), Panacan, Davao City - Headquarters of NAVFOREM
  • Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (Naval Station Zamboanga), Calarian, Zamboanga City
  • Naval Station Juan Magluyan (Naval Operating Base Batu-Batu), Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi

Marine bases

Gallery

See also

References

Citations
  1. ↑ "PGMA's Speech during the 105th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Navy". Archived from the original on 2007-10-08. Retrieved 2008-06-06. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Philippine National Security". tagaloglang.com. Retrieved 2012-05-26. 
  3. ↑ "EC-OMB Corruption Prevention Project Integrity Development Review of the AFP-Philippine Navy Executive Summary". ombudsman.gov.ph. Office of the Ombudsman-Philippines. Retrieved 2012-07-26. 
  4. ↑ "EC-OMB Corruption Prevention Project Integrity Development Review of the AFP-Philippine Navy". ombudsman.gov.ph. Office of the Ombudsman-Philippines. Retrieved 2012-07-26. 
  5. ↑ "What is the Balangay?". balangay-voyage.com. Kaya ng Pinoy Inc. Retrieved 2012-07-21. 
  6. ↑ Roperos, Robert E. (2012-05-28). "Archeologists to resume excavation of remaining Balangay boats in Butuan". Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Retrieved 2012-07-21. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 Zulueta, Joselito. "HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE NAVY". navy.mil.ph. Philippine Navy. Retrieved 2012-07-21. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 "THE PHILIPPINE NAVY". dlsu.edu.ph. De La Salle University-Manila (ROTC). Retrieved 2012-07-21. 
  9. ↑ Morton, Louis. The War in the Pacific: Fall of the Philippines. p.11, 1953. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing House, 1993.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 "Philippine Navy website". Navy.mil.ph. 2008. Retrieved 2010-03-24. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 "GlobalSecurity.org - Philippine Navy Organization". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 2010-03-24. 
  12. ↑ "Naval Education and Training Command". netc-navy.edu.ph. Retrieved 2010-03-24. 
  13. ↑ "First Female Ship Captain of the Philippine Navy". Timawa.net. Retrieved 2013-05-25. 
  14. ↑ "Brief History of the Philippine Marine Corps". pmc.navy.mil.ph. The Philippine Marine Corps. Retrieved 2013-05-25. 
  15. ↑ "The Navy Sail Plan". Manila Bulletin. 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2012-05-30. 
  16. ↑ "Philippine Navy eyeing purchase from US". Inquirer.net. 2011-01-24. Retrieved 2011-01-24. 
  17. ↑ "PHL Navy to acquire largest ship in inventory". GMANews.tv. 2011-01-23. Retrieved 2011-01-24. 
  18. ↑ "Philippines builds anti-China muscle". Asia Times Online. 2012-03-02. Retrieved 2012-06-12. 
  19. ↑ "US Government to turnover USGC Hamilton to Philippine Navy". Naval Public Affairs Office, Philippine Navy. 2011-05-12. Retrieved 2011-05-14. 
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  21. ↑ "AFP chief to receive 2nd US patrol ship". ABS-CBN News. 2012-05-19. Retrieved 2012-05-22. 
  22. ↑ "2nd US warship sold to Philippines also stripped of guns". Inquirer.net. 2012-05-22. Retrieved 2011-05-22. 
  23. ↑ "Decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter Dallas being transfered to Philippine navy". The Digitel Charleston. 2012-05-18. Retrieved 2012-05-22. 
  24. ↑ "Philippines to get 2nd US coast guard ship". Xinhua-ANI c/o Yahoo! News. 2012-05-21. Retrieved 2012-05-22. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Gazmin assures Navy of brand-new gear, assets showcased on Navy Day". InterAksyon.com. 2012-05-22. Retrieved 2012-05-22. 
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  27. ↑ "Philippines' Second Warship to Arrive in June". April 30, 2013. 
  28. ↑ Romero, Alexis (2013-03-04). "Arrival of new Phl warship delayed". PhilStar.com (The Philippine Star). Retrieved 2013-05-25. 
  29. ↑ http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/320786/news/nation/phl-attempts-to-modernize-navy-with-46-year-old-warship-brp-ramon-alcaraz
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  31. ↑ "PH Navy chief eyes 2nd US warship". ABC-CBN News. 2011-10-19. Retrieved 2011-10-19. 
  32. ↑ "Military set to acquire 2 more Hamilton-class cutters". Philstar.com. 2011-09-04. Retrieved 2011-09-04. 
  33. ↑ "More WHEC vessels for military". The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online. 2011-09-03. Retrieved 2011-09-04. 
  34. ↑ "Abu Sayaff self-destructing by yearend - AFP". The Philippine Star. 2009-07-20. Retrieved 2010-05-31. 
  35. ↑ "Teodoro tells Philippine Navy on its 111th anniversary: "Exceed your achievements"". Balita.ph. 2009-05-22. Retrieved 2010-05-31. 
  36. ↑ "Navy prepared to face inquiry". The Manila Times Internet Edition. 2009-05-22. Retrieved 2010-05-31. 
  37. ↑ "Navy to receive 2 new multi-purpose attack craft". Philstar.com. 2012-07-31. Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  38. ↑ "Multi-Purpose Attack Craft". Philippine Navy - Naval Public Affairs Office. 2012-05-24. Retrieved 2012-06-01. 
  39. ↑ "PH's new patrol boats". Reuters c/o Yahoo! News. 2012-08-06. Retrieved 2012-08-17. 
  40. ↑ "PH Navy needs bigger warships". ABS-CBN News. 2012-06-01. Retrieved 2012-06-01. 
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  42. ↑ "Navy in the market for three more Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts". PTV News. 2013-03-10. Retrieved 2013-03-14. 
  43. ↑ "PN to acquire 3 more multi-purpose assault vessels". ZamboTimes. 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-09-24. 
  44. ↑ http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/28319-navy-s-6-mpacs-for-upgrade-fabic
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  46. ↑ "Philippines gets US patrol boats to fight militants". ahramonline. 2013-09-25. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  47. ↑ Government Procurement Policy Board official website Department of National Defense Procurement Monitoring Report 1 July 2009 - 30 June 2010
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  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 "Navy planning to acquire seven vessels next year". Philstar Online. 2010-12-29. Retrieved 2011-01-01. 
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 "AFP submits P42B wish list to House defense panel". Malaya. 2011-01-27. Retrieved 2011-01-29. 
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 "AFP needs P42.1 billion for security program". Philstar Online. 2011-01-27. Retrieved 2011-01-29. 
  52. ↑ "19--Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)". Federal Business Opportunities. 2011-05-06. Retrieved 2012-10-09. 
  53. ↑ http://www.elconfidencialdigital.com/defensa/085893/navantia-ha-presentado-a-filipinas-el-sofisticado-patrullero-avante-1800-para-optar-al-concurso-que-convocara-a-final-de-ano
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  56. ↑ "Navy eyes own hospital ship". The Philippine Star. 2007-06-04. Retrieved 2010-05-31. 
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  58. ↑ "The rationale behind the PN Multi-Role Vessel project". Timawa.net. Retrieved 2012-11-10. 
  59. ↑ Dhick, Mowby (2011-05-15). "WAR SHIP KASAL Review INDONESIA PHILIPPINES". Komenteryan Pertahan Ri Indonesian Ministry of Defense. Retrieved 2011-05-15. 
  60. ↑ "Navy revives plan to buy P5-b ship". Manila Standard Today. 2011-12-05. Retrieved 2011-12-11. 
  61. ↑ Laude, Jaime (2013-05-25). "DND to procure 2 naval vessels". PhilStar.com. The Philippine Star. Retrieved 2013-05-25. 
  62. ↑ "DND Bidding for 2 Navy Vessels Still Open". June 24, 2013. 
  63. ↑ "Indonesian firm bags P4-b Navy Supply Deal". Manilastandardtoday.com. 2013-08-30. Retrieved 2013-08-30. 
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  67. ↑ "DND gets 5 helicopters to boost maritime security". Philstar.com. 2012-10-25. Retrieved 2012-10-31. 
  68. ↑ "Contract for acquisition of naval helicopters signed". Office for Public Affairs – Department of National Defense (Metro Manila, Philippines). 27 December 2012. 
  69. ↑ "PHL procures 3 naval choppers amid territorial dispute". GMA News. 2012-12-27. Retrieved 2012-12-27. 
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  72. ↑ http://www.radyonatin.com/story.php?storyid=4301
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  74. ↑ "PN to get anti-submarine chopper". pna.gov.ph. 2013-04-30. Retrieved 2013-05-06. 
  75. ↑ "Military to buy 2 anti-submarine choppers". Philstar.com. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2012-11-20. 
  76. ↑ "Gazmin signs agreement with Italian Defense Minister". DND Office of Public Affairs. 2012-02-06. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
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  94. ↑ Navy Today Navy Renames Bases and Stations after Predecessors
Bibliography
  • Philippine Navy. (1998). Tides of change. Manila: Philippine Navy.
  • Philippine Navy. (2007). The Philippine Navy Strategic Sail Plan 2020 Book 1 2007. Manila: Philippine Navy

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