07/08/2026
Prime Movers of Fleet Sustainment: Shipyard, SSC, PN Celebrates 79TH Founding Anniversary
Marking nearly eight decades of continuous support to fleet readiness and naval vessel upkeep, the Shipyard, SSC, PN marked its 79th Founding Anniversary on August 4, held at the Shipbuilding Center, Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City.
Gathering in solidarity, unit personnel, led by Commander, Shipyard, Captain Julius P Reyes PN(GSC), commenced the celebration with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by LtCol Isidro U Balistoy CHS. The celebration reinforced a shared commitment to excellence and teamwork in fulfilling the unit's vital mission for the Philippine Navy.
The anniversary program followed immediately, marking another year of dedicated service and achievement for the unit. The event was honored by the presence of the Commander, Sea Systems Command, Rear Admiral Juario C Marayag PN, who served as the Keynote Speaker.
In his welcome remarks, Capt Reyes underscored the unit's indispensable role as the prime movers of fleet sustainment, emphasizing that operational readiness is not achieved by ships at sea alone. He commended the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian workforce for their quiet sacrifices, reaffirming that behind every successful maritime patrol, territorial defense operation, naval exercise, and humanitarian mission stands the tireless work of the Shipyard team. Commander, Shipyard also acknowledged the vital support of higher Headquarters leadership, private industry partners, government agencies, educational institutions, and all stakeholder organizations that have worked alongside the unit. Expressing deep appreciation for their enduring partnership, he noted that their continuous support and collaboration strengthen the unit’s capabilities, enhance operational efficiency, and enable the Shipyard to meet its targets and accomplish its mission with greater success. Looking ahead, he called on the workforce to embrace continuous modernization, workforce development, and innovation to meet evolving maritime challenges. “Thank you for standing with us throughout this remarkable journey. Together we have accomplished much and together we will continue to achieve even greater success in the years ahead”, he remarked.
Complimenting his message, an Audio-Visual Presentation was presented showcasing the 79 years of enduring legacy, craftsmanship, and resilience of the unit while highlighting the dedicated people behind its success.
A central highlight of the event was the awarding of personnel and stakeholders who continue to drive the Shipyard’s operational success. Outstanding military personnel and civilian human resources received formal recognition for their exceptional contributions to the unit’s mission. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to external partners for their steadfast support, while recent retirees were honored for their decades of loyal service to the Shipyard and the Philippine Navy. More than just a ceremony, this annual tradition reaffirms the unit’s collective devotion to national security and maritime excellence.
Opening his keynote address, RAdm Marayag PN lauded the men and women of the Shipyard for 79 years of quiet and steadfast dedication. "A Navy is sustained not by the ships it acquires, but by the people who keep those ships ready for every mission," the Commander, SSC remarked, emphasizing that these words reflect the core identity of the unit. He underscored the Shipyard’s critical role in the Philippine Navy’s future. “Modernization succeeds only when these capabilities remain operational throughout their service life," Recognizing the Shipyard's rising profile within the Navy's leadership, the Commander recognized the unit’s ongoing facility upgrades, superior repair work, and growing strategic weight in fleet operations. “This growing attention is not simply because of what we have accomplished, it is because of what the Shipyard is capable of becoming. Let us continue transforming the Shipyard into a center of excellence in naval sustainment, systems engineering, and defense innovation”, Commander, SSC concluded.
The celebration culminated on a high note with a commemorative photo opportunity with the Keynote Speaker, followed by simple refreshment with the guests and personnel of the unit
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