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Cavite Naval Yard and Subic Bay: Key US Naval Bases in the Philippines

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The Cavite Naval Yard, established after the US occupation in 1898, served as a ship repair facility and played a significant role in the Philippine-American War. Initially, it was the primary US naval base until the 1903 decision favored Subic Bay.

The 1922 Five Power Treaty limited its expansion. After the US withdrew from the treaty, improvements were made until the Japanese attacks in 1941 led to its abandonment. The yard is now a Philippine Navy installation, transferred in 1971.

Naval Station Sangley Point, also on Sangley Point peninsula, primarily served as a hospital and communication site. It suffered extensive damage during Japanese air raids in 1941. Naval Station Subic Bay, taken over by the US Marines in 1899, was developed into a deep-water port with a floating dry dock. It was abandoned in December 1941, later used by Japanese forces, and returned to the Philippines in 1992, now functioning as a Special Economic Zone.

Cavite Naval Yard and Subic Bay: Key US Naval Bases in the Philippines
Jan 15, 2026, 6:11 AM

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