By Henry Empeño / September 3, 2025

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Drydock Corporation (SDC), the primary maintenance provider for Philippine Navy vessel repairs under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, is now undertaking critical repair and maintenance here of the Philippine Navy’s lead offshore patrol vessel, as well as two key naval assets of the United States Navy.

Diana Ross N. Mazo, SDC’s human resources chief and administrative manager, said the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS-15) arrived at the Subic ship repair facility last July 1 for a 90-day continuous maintenance availability (CMAV) works that would include upgrades.

The 115-meter BRP Gregorio del Pilar is a 3,250-ton vessel that formerly served as a Hamilton-class high endurance cutter of the US Coast Guard before it was acquired by the Philippine Navy in 2011.

Mazo said the ongoing maintenance work includes overhauls of the main engine, generator, and turbocharger; repair of auxiliary and electrical systems; as well as structural work and preservation.

CMAV works are undertaken for both sustained readiness and preventive measures: to maintain the ship’s ability to perform its mission and prevent major failures that would require more extensive maintenance that could disrupt operations.

On the other hand, two key US Navy vessels are undergoing voyage repairs (VR’s) here, also to minimize downtime and prevent operational interruptions.

Mazo said time time-critical VR are being done by SDC crews on the USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5), a 239-meter Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base, and the USNS Rappahannock (TAO-204), a 206-meter Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler operated by the US Military Sealift Command.

The works include overhaul and maintenance of deck equipment, insulation and lagging, electrical cable maintenance, structural and piping repairs, ultra-high pressure washing and deck preservation, non-destructive testing, and bridge wing sliding door repairs.

SDC is also conducting gas-free certification, ship security and access services, elevator inspection, and other general services in full compliance with US Navy standards, said Mazo.

The ongoing repair works for both the Philippine and American navies underscore the growing portfolio of projects by the Philippine-registered firm and its rising role in the regional maritime industry since locating in Subic in 2006, SDC officials said.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Cabras Marine Corp. based in Guam, the SDC takes pride in its ability to complete complex, concurrent projects under tight deadlines, while maintaining strict quality, safety, and compliance standards, said Mazo.

The firm operates two of the biggest floating drydocks in the country, including a 142.1-meter behemoth with an 8,700-ton lifting capacity.

“Beyond operational excellence, the SDC continues to invest in infrastructure and workforce development,” Mazo also pointed out.

She said that the firm has been conducting workers’ training and certification programs, labor pipeline development, and maritime trade awareness campaigns in collaboration with the Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. 