Draft:Philippine Fleet

Seal of Philippine Fleet

The Philippine Fleet is one of the Type Command of the Philippine Navy. Its mission is to prepare and operate assigned forces for naval operations in order to support the PN accomplish its mission. Its general objectives are to optimize operational readiness and combat effectiveness of equipment and personnel and effectively manage available resources through efficient internal administration.

The specific functions of the Fleet are, first, “to provide assets that will conduct continuous naval patrol, sea control and amphibious operations in order to defend the sovereignty of the country, its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from foreign aggression, intrusion and exploitation; second, to assist in the conduct of national security operations and ensure safety and security of coastal areas; third, to employ assets to assist in the conduct of disaster response, particularly maritime search and rescue and patrol, sealift and other type of operations as directed.

History

The Philippine Fleet is synonymous with the Philippine Navy. The Navy is the Fleet and the Fleet is the Navy. As such, it also traces its origin to the pre-war Off-shore Patrol (OSP) – the forerunner of the Philippine Navy. The creation of the OSP was an offshoot of a news report that a “mystery flotilla” was sighted conducting maneuvers off Davao Gulf on 10 April 1938. Acting on the news report, President Quezon ordered the creation of the Off-shore Patrol (OSP) as a unit of the Philippine Army and hand-picked MAJOR RAFAEL RAMOS to organize the new unit. Assisting him was LT JOSE U ANDRADA USNA ’30, who was designated later as the acting Chief, OSP on 18 June 1938 when the former was sent to the US for Quartermaster schooling. On 04 December 1941, few days before the war broke, CAPT ENRIQUE JURADO, OSP, PA took over the helm of the Off-shore Patrol.

When war broke out in the Pacific on 08 December 1941, this fledging fleet, composed of fast and highly maneuverable motor torpedo boats known as “Q-boat”, were committed against the Japanese Imperial Navy. Undaunted by enemy superiority, the ubiquitous patrol boats fought with zeal, courage and heroism, hitting Japanese warships with torpedoes when given the opportunity.

Because of its intrepid and successful raids on enemy ships, the squadron was dubbed the “Mosquito Fleet” mainly because of its minuscule size and its capability to attack with a deadly sting. The squadron relied on speed and surprise to attack larger vessels at close range. As a result, 65 percent of its men were awarded the Silver Star Medal and other decorations for gallantry in action. This is a heroic legacy that the Philippine Fleet cherishes, perpetuates, and lives by to this day and onward.

After the war, Off-shore Patrol (OSP) was re-designated as the Philippine Naval Patrol (PNP) on 24 Oct 1947 pursuant to GO Nr 228 issued by then General Jalandoni. Under this reorganization law of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Naval Patrol was elevated as one of its major command. After ironing out every detail of the reorganization as mandated by the Executive Order, the Philippine Naval Patrol was formally organized on 02 June 1948. COL JOSE V ANDRADA.

Was designated as Commander, Philippine Naval Patrol. The title of his rank was later changed to Navy Captain, by authority of Sec 18 of Executive Order Nr 94. The Philippine Naval Patrol expanded with the integration of the Marine Batallion, Underwater Operations Unit, and Naval Air Unit to the command. As it acquired bigger patrol and transport ships, the Patrol Force and the Service Force were also created.

Then pursuant to Executive Order No. 389 dated 23 Dec 1950, the Armed Forces of the Philippines was reorganized into four major commands. The Executive Order likewise mandated the change of designation from Philippine Naval Patrol to Philippine Navy.

Mission and Vision

Vision

"By 2028, the Philippine Fleet shall be a modern and multi-capable fleet at sea responsive to our maritime nations defense development"

Mission

"To organize, train, equip and maintain fleet forces for naval operations in order to contribute to the accomplishment of the PN Mission.

Organization

Philippine Fleet has six (6) Type Forces/Groups and Two (2) Support Units. The Type Forces are: Offshore Combat Force, Littoral Combat Force, Sealift Amphibious Force, Naval Air Wing, Submarine Group and Mine Warfare Group. While the Support Units are Fleet Training and Doctrines Center and Fleet Support Group.

Type of Subordinate Units

Type Forces/Group/Wing

• Offshore Combat Force (OCF) - responsible for the overall offshore combat, maritime patrol and territorial defense missions.
• Littoral Combat Force (LCF)- responsible for the overall coastal defense, littoral patrol and interdiction missions.
• Sealift Amphibious Force (SAF) - responsible for the overall naval sealift, amphibious deployment, and transport missions.
• Naval Air Wing (NAW) - responsible for overall aerial reconnaissance and maritime patrol operations, as well as air support and future anti-submarine operations.
• Submarine Group (SG) - responsible for future submarine and underwater operations, including training, doctrine development, and overall maritime submarine strategies of the navy.
• Mine Warfare Group - responsible for mine warfare operations in order to contribute to the accomplishment of the Philippine fleet's mission.

Support Force/Group

• Fleet Training and Doctrines Center (FTDC) - responsible for the overall training, education and doctrine development for the newly enlisted and ranked members of the navy.
• Fleet Support Group (FSG) - responsible for the overall fleet support missions.