MANILA – The commissioning of two former Cyclone-class patrol vessels joining the Philippine Navy’s fleet is a testament of the United States’ support for the modernization goals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
This is according to U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, who attended the Philippine Navy Christening and Commissioning Ceremony of two former US vessels Monday, the USS Monsoon and USS Chinook.
In her speech, Carlson expressed her excitement in celebrating the commissioning of the vessels, which was funded through the U.S. foreign military financing amounting to USD 13.8 million or approximately PHP 780 million.
“This ceremony symbolizes continued U.S. support for our Philippine Navy allies, who are the frontlines defending Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” Carlson said.
She also mentioned that the transfer ceremony has much more than symbolic value. “These two vessels bring real, strategic benefit, not just to the Philippines, but to our alliance, and to the region,” the envoy added.
The two vessels were decommissioned in Bahrain last March 28 and has served the U.S. Navy as they patrolled the waters of the Arabian Gulf in support of operations in the Middle East, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
After refurbishment through U.S. funding, the two vessels are now ready to join the Philippine Navy Littoral Combat Fleet as BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa.
“The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa are entering into service for the Philippine Navy at an important time when the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly complex,” Ambassador Carlson said.
“From patrolling Philippine waters, to protecting legitimate economic activity and combatting illegal fishing, to delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the missions undertaken by these two vessels will not be easy,” Carlson added.
She commended the brave sailors who will serve aboard the vessels and said that their dedicated service and the missions they will undertake are central to the shared U.S.–Philippine goal of ensuring a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Carlson also mentioned the upcoming annual Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board Meeting, where senior military leaders from the United States and the Philippines will meet in Manila in a few days to finalize shared plans for the coming year – such as setting a course of action through assistance programs, large-scale exercises, and smaller exchanges between the two militaries.
“All these engagements, large and small, help strengthen the U.S.–Philippines Alliance, building trust and enhancing interoperability – providing protection for us all,” Carlson said.
And as the Philippines continues to uphold the international order and defend its rights in the West Philippine Sea, Carlson reiterated that the United States stands with the Philippines in what she calls this “all-important endeavour”.
