Outgoing Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Delfin Lorenzana said over the weekend that the recently activated Naval Operating Base (NOB) in Subic will serve as the main naval support and logistics hub of the Philippine Navy (PN) as it continues to improve its fleet.
The Naval Installation Command said on Saturday, June 25, that Lorenzana visited the NOB Subic last June 23 to personally witness its operations before he steps down from office at the end of the month. He was welcomed by PN Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado; and Naval Installation Command chief Brig. Gen. Noel Beleran.
"During the visit, he was accorded with sideboys honors followed by the signing of visitors guestbook. Then, a unit briefing and audio video presentation at the Audio Visual Room was presented by Brig. Gen. Beleran to Secretary Lorenzana and other guests. Afterwards, a windshield tour was conducted," the Naval Installation Command said.
Lorenzana said he was "extremely delighted" to see that the NOB facility was already up and running before his term ends.
"Its establishment speaks volumes of how our President and Commander-In-Chief, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, appreciates the value of a well-equipped and multi-capable naval force," Lorenzana said in a Facebook post on Friday, June 24.
"The NOB will be our main naval support and logistics hub. It will also provide a secure and adequate berthing facilities for our growing naval assets," he added.
The NOB Subic was a former part of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC)-Philippines, Inc. that was converted by the PN into a naval operating base.
It was activated last March 9 under the Naval Installation and Facilities-Zambales with the supervision of Naval Installation Command.
The facility can accommodate the biggest ships of the PN such as the Jose Rizal-class frigates, the Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels, and the Tarlac-class landing docks.
"With this facility, we can certainly beef up our territorial defense and operations in the West Philippine Sea and adjoining areas," the Defense chief said.