BRP Rizal (PS-74)
Encyclopedia
The BRP Rizal (PS-74) is the first of two Rizal class ships in service with the Philippine Navy
. She is formerly an ex-USN Auk class
minesweeper
that were produced during World War II
, and is now classified as a patrol corvette
protecting the vast waters of the Philippines. Along with other ex-World War II veteran ships of the Philippine Navy, she is considered as one of the oldest active fighting ships in the world today.
was commissioned with the US Navy in 1945, her duty was to sweep mines along the Japanese and Korean waters from January 1946 until April the same year. She was decommissioned in 1948 and was placed with the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
She was again recommissioned in 1950. She arrived Yokosuka, Japan
, in August 1951 to aid U.N. forces meeting the challenge of Communist aggression. Departing Yokosuka 21 August, she sailed to Korea, participating in operations north of Wonsan
, in the Hungnam, Songjin, and Chongjin areas. She continued sweeping and patrol duties off Korea in 1952, capturing and destroying several enemy sampans, until July, when she returned to the west coast. Murrelet started a second tour of duty off Korea in April 1953, returning to Long Beach
in December. Murrelet received five battle stars for Korean service.
Redesignated MSF-372, 7 February 1955, she continued to operate off the west coast. She decommissioned 14 March 1957, and was assigned to the Pacific Reserve fleet. Struck from the Naval Register 1 December 1964, she was transferred 18 June 1965 to the Philippine Republic under the Military Assistance Program.
on 18 June 1965 and was renamed RPS Rizal (E-69), but was later on re-classified as a Patrol Corvette
and renamed to RPS Rizal (PS-69) under a new ship classification scheme implemented between 1965 and 1966. Again in June 1980 she was renamed BRP Rizal (PS-69) using a new localized prefix..
She was stricken from the navy in 1994, but was overhauled and returned to service in 1995. Some of her weapons were also removed, mainly its anti-submarine equipments due to lack of spare parts. This includes the five Mk6 depth charge projectors and two depth charge racks. This move totally removed her anti-submarine warfare capabilities, which is in fact outdated at present conditions. Rizal completed restoration works in January 1996, wherein she was renumbered and recommissioned as BRP Rizal (PS-74), which is used to this day. Recent upgrades includes a satellite radio dish for communications.
Her current classification is Patrol Corvette
. She is currently assigned to the Patrol Force of the Philippine Fleet.
, BRP Bacolod City (LC-550)
, BRP Hilario Ruiz (PG-378), and BRP Timoteo Figoracion (PG-389).
Rizal was also part of the Philippine Navy contingent that joined Exercise SEAGULL 03-07, which was held in Brunei from September 2 to 10, 2007. Together with BRP Federico Martir (PG-385), and Royal Brunei Navy participating ships KDB Pejuang P03, KDB Seteria P04, KDB Perwira P14 and KDB Penyerang P16, they conducted series of drills, including Mine Clearance, Under Water Operations, Replenishment at Sea, Night Encounter Exercise, Boarding Exercise and Other Naval Tactical Exercises.
Rizal, together with Malaysian ships KD Ganas and KD Sri Perlis and Philippine Navy ships BRP Nicolas Mahusay and BRP Bonny Serrano, participated in joint border patrol exercises from June to July 2008.
On July 2011, Rizal, together with BRP Pangasinan (PS-31)
and US Navy ships USS Howard (DDG-83)
and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93)
, took part in the sea phase bilateral exercises Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2011.
On 19 June 2009 Rizal took part in the rescue of Indonesian-registered tugboat MT Benoa with 10 people onboard, and towed the distressed boat to San Fernando City pier.
On 18 October 2011 Rizal was involved in an minor accidental collision with a Chinese boat towing 25 smaller boats. The incident happened in the Recto Bank area, which is within the Philippine EEZ. The Chinese boat retreated and left behind the 25 sampans, which the Rizal towed back to Ulugan Bay in Palawan.
, the ship was originally armed with one forward Mk.26 3"/50 caliber dual purpose gun , two single Bofors 40 mm guns, 1 Hedgehog depth charge projector, four depth charge projectiles (K-guns) and two depth charge tracks. Upon transfer to the Philippine Navy, her mine sweeping equipments were removed, and refitted her armaments. An additional Mk.26 3"/50 caliber dual purpose gun was fitted aft, and her two single Bofors 40 mm guns were replaced by two twin Mk.1 Bofors 40 mm guns. She was also refitted with two twin Mk.24 Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
s and six 324mm Torpedo Tubes on two triple-mounts.
A small helicopter flight deck was later added, requiring the removal of the aft Mk.26 3"/50 caliber gun..
During its overhaul and refit between 1995 to 1996, the Philippine Navy
removed her old anti-submarine weapons and systems, and made some changes in the armament set-up. Her flight deck was also removed. Final armaments fitted to the ship are two Mk.26 3"/50-caliber gun (one forward and one aft), two twin Mk.1 Bofors 40 mm cannons
(aft), one twin Mk.24 Oerlikon 20 mm cannons
(forward), and four M2 Browning 12.7 mm/50 caliber machine guns. This made the ship lighter and ideal for surface patrols, but losing her limited anti-submarine warfare capability.
diesel engines with a combined power of around 5800 bhp driving two propeller
s. The main engines can propel the ship at a maximum speed of around 22 knots (43 km/h). It has a maximum range of 5000 nautical miles (9,260 km) at a speed of 14 knots (27 km/h). The ship was also equipped with state-of-the-art safety equipment on deck and engine room with all digital control panels.
SPS-5C surface search radar and DAS-3 navigation radar was replaced by a Raytheon
AN/SPS-64(V)11 surface search and navigation radar system. Later modifications included the installation of an additional Furuno
navigation radar, long range and satellite communications systems, and GPS system standard to all Philippine Navy ships.
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
. She is formerly an ex-USN Auk class
Auk class minesweeper
The Auk class were Allied minesweepers serving with the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy during the Second World War. In total, there were 95 Auks built.-Design and development:...
minesweeper
Minesweeper (ship)
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
that were produced during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, and is now classified as a patrol corvette
Corvette
A corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft or fast attack craft , although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role...
protecting the vast waters of the Philippines. Along with other ex-World War II veteran ships of the Philippine Navy, she is considered as one of the oldest active fighting ships in the world today.
US Navy (1945-1965)
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, in August 1951 to aid U.N. forces meeting the challenge of Communist aggression. Departing Yokosuka 21 August, she sailed to Korea, participating in operations north of Wonsan
Wonsan
Wŏnsan is a port city and naval base in southeastern North Korea. It is the capital of Kangwŏn Province. The population of the city is estimated to have been 331,000 in 2000. Notable people from Wŏnsan include Kim Ki Nam, diplomat and Secretary of the Workers' Party.- History :The original name of...
, in the Hungnam, Songjin, and Chongjin areas. She continued sweeping and patrol duties off Korea in 1952, capturing and destroying several enemy sampans, until July, when she returned to the west coast. Murrelet started a second tour of duty off Korea in April 1953, returning to Long Beach
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
in December. Murrelet received five battle stars for Korean service.
Redesignated MSF-372, 7 February 1955, she continued to operate off the west coast. She decommissioned 14 March 1957, and was assigned to the Pacific Reserve fleet. Struck from the Naval Register 1 December 1964, she was transferred 18 June 1965 to the Philippine Republic under the Military Assistance Program.
Philippine Navy (1965-present)
She was commissioned with the Philippine NavyPhilippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
on 18 June 1965 and was renamed RPS Rizal (E-69), but was later on re-classified as a Patrol Corvette
Corvette
A corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft or fast attack craft , although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role...
and renamed to RPS Rizal (PS-69) under a new ship classification scheme implemented between 1965 and 1966. Again in June 1980 she was renamed BRP Rizal (PS-69) using a new localized prefix..
She was stricken from the navy in 1994, but was overhauled and returned to service in 1995. Some of her weapons were also removed, mainly its anti-submarine equipments due to lack of spare parts. This includes the five Mk6 depth charge projectors and two depth charge racks. This move totally removed her anti-submarine warfare capabilities, which is in fact outdated at present conditions. Rizal completed restoration works in January 1996, wherein she was renumbered and recommissioned as BRP Rizal (PS-74), which is used to this day. Recent upgrades includes a satellite radio dish for communications.
Her current classification is Patrol Corvette
Corvette
A corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft or fast attack craft , although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role...
. She is currently assigned to the Patrol Force of the Philippine Fleet.
Naval Exercises
The Rizal is included in the Philippine Navy's representatives at CARAT 2005, together with BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35)BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35)
The BRP Emilio Jacinto is the lead ship of the three Jacinto class of corvettes, and are considered as one of the most modern ships in the Philippine Navy. She was originally called HMS Peacock during her service with the Royal Navy...
, BRP Bacolod City (LC-550)
BRP Bacolod City (LC-550)
The BRP Bacolod City is the lead ship of two Bacolod City class of Logistics Support Vessels, and is based on a helicopter capable variant of the US Army's Frank S. Besson class...
, BRP Hilario Ruiz (PG-378), and BRP Timoteo Figoracion (PG-389).
Rizal was also part of the Philippine Navy contingent that joined Exercise SEAGULL 03-07, which was held in Brunei from September 2 to 10, 2007. Together with BRP Federico Martir (PG-385), and Royal Brunei Navy participating ships KDB Pejuang P03, KDB Seteria P04, KDB Perwira P14 and KDB Penyerang P16, they conducted series of drills, including Mine Clearance, Under Water Operations, Replenishment at Sea, Night Encounter Exercise, Boarding Exercise and Other Naval Tactical Exercises.
Rizal, together with Malaysian ships KD Ganas and KD Sri Perlis and Philippine Navy ships BRP Nicolas Mahusay and BRP Bonny Serrano, participated in joint border patrol exercises from June to July 2008.
On July 2011, Rizal, together with BRP Pangasinan (PS-31)
BRP Pangasinan (PS-31)
BRP Pangasinan is a of the Philippine Navy. She was originally built as USS PCE-891, a for the United States Navy during World War II. She was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy and transferred to the Philippine Navy in July 1948 and renamed RPS Pangasinan . The ship is...
and US Navy ships USS Howard (DDG-83)
USS Howard (DDG-83)
USS Howard is the thirty-third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy and the nineteenth built at Bath Iron Works. Her keel was laid down 9 December 1998, launched and christened 20 November 1999 and commissioned 20 October 2001.The ship is named in honor of Gunnery Sgt. Jimmie E...
and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93)
USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93)
USS Chung-Hoon is an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyer serving in the United States Navy. Chung-Hoon was named in honor of Rear Admiral Gordon Pai'ea Chung-Hoon , recipient of the Navy Cross and the Silver Star....
, took part in the sea phase bilateral exercises Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2011.
Other Incidents
Rizal was involved in a collision with a Chinese fishing boat off Scarborough Shoal on 23 May 1999. This incident sparked a diplomatic protest by the Chinese government since they are claiming that the PN ship collided with the fishing boat "on-purpose". Incidentally, the shoal is claimed by the Chinese government as part of their territory.On 19 June 2009 Rizal took part in the rescue of Indonesian-registered tugboat MT Benoa with 10 people onboard, and towed the distressed boat to San Fernando City pier.
On 18 October 2011 Rizal was involved in an minor accidental collision with a Chinese boat towing 25 smaller boats. The incident happened in the Recto Bank area, which is within the Philippine EEZ. The Chinese boat retreated and left behind the 25 sampans, which the Rizal towed back to Ulugan Bay in Palawan.
Armaments
As a minesweeperMinesweeper
Minesweeper may refer to:* A person that performs demining* Minesweeper , a military vessel used to destroy naval mines* Minesweeper , a logic game included with Windows and some Linux operating systems...
, the ship was originally armed with one forward Mk.26 3"/50 caliber dual purpose gun , two single Bofors 40 mm guns, 1 Hedgehog depth charge projector, four depth charge projectiles (K-guns) and two depth charge tracks. Upon transfer to the Philippine Navy, her mine sweeping equipments were removed, and refitted her armaments. An additional Mk.26 3"/50 caliber dual purpose gun was fitted aft, and her two single Bofors 40 mm guns were replaced by two twin Mk.1 Bofors 40 mm guns. She was also refitted with two twin Mk.24 Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
The Oerlikon 20 mm cannon is a series of autocannons, based on an original design by Reinhold Becker of Germany, very early in World War I, and widely produced by Oerlikon Contraves and others...
s and six 324mm Torpedo Tubes on two triple-mounts.
A small helicopter flight deck was later added, requiring the removal of the aft Mk.26 3"/50 caliber gun..
During its overhaul and refit between 1995 to 1996, the Philippine Navy
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
removed her old anti-submarine weapons and systems, and made some changes in the armament set-up. Her flight deck was also removed. Final armaments fitted to the ship are two Mk.26 3"/50-caliber gun (one forward and one aft), two twin Mk.1 Bofors 40 mm cannons
Bofors 40 mm gun
The Bofors 40 mm gun is an anti-aircraft autocannon designed by the Swedish defence firm of Bofors Defence...
(aft), one twin Mk.24 Oerlikon 20 mm cannons
Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
The Oerlikon 20 mm cannon is a series of autocannons, based on an original design by Reinhold Becker of Germany, very early in World War I, and widely produced by Oerlikon Contraves and others...
(forward), and four M2 Browning 12.7 mm/50 caliber machine guns. This made the ship lighter and ideal for surface patrols, but losing her limited anti-submarine warfare capability.
Machinery
She underwent completed a rehabilitation overhaul in 1995, by Hatch & Kirk, wherein she was fitted with two remanufactured GM EMD 16V-645CEMD 645
The EMD 645 family of diesel engines was designed and manufactured by the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors. Intended primarily for locomotive, marine and stationary engine use, one 16-cylinder version powered the 33-19 "Titan" prototype haul truck designed by GM's Terex...
diesel engines with a combined power of around 5800 bhp driving two propeller
Propeller
A propeller is a type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust. A pressure difference is produced between the forward and rear surfaces of the airfoil-shaped blade, and a fluid is accelerated behind the blade. Propeller dynamics can be modeled by both Bernoulli's...
s. The main engines can propel the ship at a maximum speed of around 22 knots (43 km/h). It has a maximum range of 5000 nautical miles (9,260 km) at a speed of 14 knots (27 km/h). The ship was also equipped with state-of-the-art safety equipment on deck and engine room with all digital control panels.
Electronics
Also during the refit the ship's RaytheonRaytheon
Raytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
SPS-5C surface search radar and DAS-3 navigation radar was replaced by a Raytheon
Raytheon
Raytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
AN/SPS-64(V)11 surface search and navigation radar system. Later modifications included the installation of an additional Furuno
Furuno
The Furuno Electric Company was founded in Nagasaki, Japan in 1938. The company sells marine electronics and has subsidiaries in the USA, Europe and China.-1940s:...
navigation radar, long range and satellite communications systems, and GPS system standard to all Philippine Navy ships.