Philippine Navy Deploys Ex-U.S. Navy Cyclone-class Patrol Vessels

The Philippine Navy officially commissioned two Cyclone-class patrol vessels, once assets of the U.S. Navy, during a ceremony held at the navy's headquarters today.

The event, attended by officials from both the Philippines and the United States, signifies Washington's ongoing efforts to bolster Manila's naval capabilities amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Three days ago, the Philippines accused China of aggressive and destabilizing actions during its resupply mission to a rusting World War II warship in the South China Sea. China's Coast Guard claimed it had warned two Philippine supply ships and two coastguard vessels for making an "unapproved entry" to the atoll, asserting its sovereignty over the area.

The newly-inducted vessels, BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa, formerly USS Monsoon and USS Chinook in the U.S. Navy, were transferred to the Philippines in April. They underwent refurbishment from April to August, during which certain equipment like Satellite Communications (SATCOM) was removed before being made ready for Philippine service.

The two vessels will join BRP General Mariano Alvarez, formerly USS Cyclone, in the Alvarez-class patrol vessels, tasked with coastal defense and littoral patrol missions under the Littoral Combat Force within the Philippine Fleet.

All these ex-U.S. Navy Cyclone-class ships were procured by the Philippines through the Excess Defense Articles program, which facilitates the transfer of used U.S. assets to partner nations at reduced costs or as grants. Furthermore, the U.S. plans to transfer an additional four former U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats, bringing this year's total transferred patrol vessels to six.