PH Navy Retires BRP Cebu

06 Oktober 2019

BRP Cebu (PS-28) corvettes (photo : PN)

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) has formally retired its oldest ship, the BRP Cebu (PS-28), from the service during decommissioning ceremonies in Captain Salvo Pier, Naval Base Cavite early this week.

Retirement ceremonies for the World War II-era vessel took place last October 1.

Present and serving as the guest-of-honor in the ship's retirement ceremonies was Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo who had mixed emotions during the event as the retirement of the vintage ship will allow the Navy to receive newer naval platforms.

"We are happy because of her decommissioning we will be able to accommodate newer platforms for the Philippine Navy," Bacordo said.

BRP Cebu, formerly the USS PCE-881, served the PN for 71 years before its decommissioning.

The ship was first commissioned by the US Navy on July 31, 1944 and transferred to the PN in July 1948 and renamed as RPS CEBU (E-28) after the Philippine province of the same name. It was designated as one of the service's six Miguel Malvar-class corvettes.

Its notable accomplishment was the search and rescue operations of the M/V Princess of the Stars of Sulpicio Lines, which capsized off the coast of San Fernando, Romblon at the height of Typhoon Frank on June 22, 2008. 

(PNA)