Philippine Navy Purchases P217 Billion American Supercarrier

Posted on April 1st, 2009. Written by Rico.

Tired of the poor state of naval technology in the Philippines, our Navy recently procured the USS George H. W. Bush for P217 billion. The American-built supercarrier, named after the 41st president of the United States, has a displacement of 97,000 tons, and can sail over 2,000 aircraft literally anywhere in the world.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, a senior Philippine Navy official revealed that the deal was made possible by the current economic recession. Eager to dispose of the warship, which is costly to maintain, US officials agreed to a 100-year payment plan, as well as the necessary training needed to properly staff the ship.

The official was less excited when our conversation turned to more practical questions, such as “Who will escort our new flagship?” and “Where will we get all the aircraft to fill it up?”. Keeping mostly mum about acquiring aircraft for the carrier, the official did admit that our former flagship, the BRP Rajah Humabon, would serve as primary escort.

And the name? Our source revealed that top Navy brass is still discussing that, but it seems a leading candidate is the BRP Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Under discussion is also who will be the captain for the supercarrier’s first stint under the Philippine flag.