Philippine Navy entered a period of change and innovation. The Philippine Navy formally decommissioned two naval combat assets during ceremonies held on 29 January 2020 at its naval base in Cavite City. During the ceremonies, PN chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said that the PN needed to retire these ships as they have become more difficult to maintain. The Rizal-class patrol vessel BRP Rizal (PS-74) has been decommissioned after serving the PN for more than 54 years. The former US Navy Auk-class fleet minesweeper USS Murrelet (AM-372) was transferred to the PN as part of US Military Assistance to the Philippines, and has been in service with the PN since June 1965.
PN fleet commander Rear Admio Giovanni Bacordo said they will take many platforms out of service, including ships from the Second World War era in 2020 and 2021. The Philippines National Defence Department wants to supply Shaldag-class fast attack crafts from Israel.
In addition, the PN also decommissioned a Britten Norman BN-2A Islander twin-engine light naval aircraft.
