US Navy to build vessel maintenance facility in Philippines' Palawan province

The US Navy will establish a new maintenance facility for Philippine military vessels in Palawan province in the western Philippines, an official of the US Embassy in Manila said recently.

US Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command is now soliciting bids for the design and construction of the maintenance facility, which will be located near the existing Philippine Navy base in Oyster Bay on Palawan's western coast.

Acting US Embassy Spokesperson Glenda Wallace said the proposed facility will provide maintenance and repair support for the Philippine military's small watercraft as well as multi-purpose areas for storage use.

Wallace clarified that the facility is, "not a military base," and that the construction project has already been approved by the Philippine Government.

All military activities conducted by the United States in the Philippines are, "done in full coordination with our Philippine allies," said Wallace.

The US Department of Defense had earlier stated that the Oyster Bay facility will support the operations of manned and unmanned vessels of up to 11.6 metres in length.