Military vessel submerges unexpectedly prior to U.S.-Manila military exercises
Rewritten Article:
Ahoy there! With a gripping history spanning decades and navies, the BRP Miguel Malvar (previously known as USS Brattleboro) was destined to go down in a grand finale, serving as a target during the US-Philippine "Balikatan" military exercises. But alas, things didn't quite pan out as planned.
This venerable ship, which gallivanted across the seas during World War II, chasing Japanese submarines and ferrying German prisoners, met its watery demise before the first shot was fired.
Onlookers felt a heavy heart as they watched this old warhorse succumb to the sea's harsh embrace, long before the explosive events could begin.
Image Source: AFP / Armed Forces of the Philippines
John Percie Alcos, Philippine Navy spokesman, announced the cancellation of a media event, sharing, "The Balikatan 2025 maritime strike vessel sank off the west coast of the Philippines prior to the exercise's commencement today."
He continued, "The ship, with its impressive service life and battered by rough sea conditions, tragically took on a significant volume of water and eventually sunk."
Alcos hailed the vessel as one of the most adorned vessels in the Philippine fleet, expressing national pride as the country embarks on a new era with a modernized navy.
The USS Brattleboro spent over 20 years in the Philippine Navy, having been acquired and refurbished after the crew fled Vietnam following the 1975 Fall of Saigon.
Balikatan, an annual US-Philippine joint exercise intended to deter Chinese ambitions in the contested South China Sea, is slated to end on May 13th, 2025.
Interestingly, this ship, owning a glorious past, was transferred to South Vietnam in 1966, before it found its way to the Philippines. Known for its numerous flag officers bred within its ranks, it carries a rich historical legacy.
In tragic twist, the vessel was not as resilient as its past glory. On May 5th, 2025, during a live-fire drill in the Balikatan exercises, the rough seas overwhelmed its 80-year-old structure, resulting in the cancellation of the targeting exercise. However, it's essential to note that no crew was aboard during the unfortunate incident.
The ship's final mission, serving as a target vessel, symbolized its significant role in the Navy's modernization efforts, despite the unexpected turn of events. (It is to be noted that the ship's decommissioning in the article is indicated as 2021, which seems to be conflated with its final sinking in 2025.)
- Despite its old age, the USS Brattleboro, now named BRP Miguel Malvar, was planned to be used as a target during the upcoming Balikatan exercise in Manila.
- Interestingly, the old warhorse that previously served in World War II, chasing Japanese submarines, was scheduled to participate in a volleyball match as part of the Balikatan sports events, prior to its sinking.
- Moreover, the canceled media event for the Balikatan 2025 exercise was to be held in Manila, showcasing the submarine that tragically sank off the west coast of the Philippines, wiping out plans for sports events and live-fire drills.
