The Philippine Navy (PN) is the naval warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It has an estimated strength of 24,500 active service personnel, including the 10,300-strong Philippine Marine Corps. It operates 90 combat vessels, 14 auxiliary vessels, 25 manned aircraft and 8 unmanned aerial vehicles. Tracing its roots from the Philippine Revolutionary Navy on May 20, 1898, while its modern foundations were created during the creation of the Offshore Patrol in February 9, 1939, the PN is currently responsible for naval warfare operations and maritime patrol missions within the Philippine Waters, as well as ensuring the protection of the Philippine's maritime interests, including the West Philippine Sea and Benham Rise.
A Karakoa ancient warship with Lantaka cannons
Illustration of a late 17th-century joangan warship carrying the Spanish Empire flag serving as auxiliary force vessel from Historia de las islas e indios de Bisayas (1668), this warship were known as joangas (also spelled juangas) by the Spanish.
The two Manila Galleons—the Encarnacion and Rosario--which were hastily converted to warships to meet the superior Dutch armada of 18 vessels during the battles of La Naval de Manila in 1646. (From an artist's conception)
A U.S. Navy Vought O2U Corsair floatplane flying over the Cavite Navy Yard, c. 1930
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are the military forces of the Philippines. It consists of three main service branches; the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy. The President of the Philippines is the Commander-in-Chief of the AFP and forms military policy with the Department of National Defense, an executive department acting as the principal organ by which military policy is carried out, while the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines serves as the overall commander and the highest-ranking officer in the AFP.
Department of National Defense Building, Camp Aguinaldo
A Philippine Marine Corps instructor teaches US Marines "Pekiti-Tirsia Kali", a Philippine martial art, during military exercises
Philippine Navy rigid hull inflatable boats perform a maritime interdiction operation exercise in Manila Bay.
Philippine Marine Corps' KAAV7A1 during DAGIT-PA 03-19 exercises