As such, it also traces its origin to the pre-war Off Shore Patrol (OSP) the forerunner of the Philippine Navy. The creation of the OSP was an offshoot of a news report that a “mystery flotilla” was sighted conducting maneuvers OFF Davao Golf on 10 April 1938.Acting on the news report, President Quezon ordered on the creation of the Off Shore Patrol (OSP) as a unit of the Philippine Army and handp
icked Major Rafael Ramos to organize the new unit. Jose V. Andrada USNA’30 who was designated later as the acting Chief OSP on 18 June 1938when the former was sent to the US for a Quartermaster schooling. On 04December 1941 few days before the war broke Capt Enrique Jurado, OSP, PA took over the helm of the Off Shore Patrol. When War broke out in the pacific, on 08 December 1941, this fledging fleet, composed of fast and highly maneuverable motor torpedo boats known as Q-boats, was committed against the Japanese Imperial Navy. Undaunted by enemy superiority, the ubiquitous patrol boats fought with zeal, courage and heroism hitting Japanese warships with torpedoes when given the opportunity. Because of its intrepid and successful raids on enemy ships, the squadron was dubbed the “Mosquito Fleet” mainly because of its minuscule size and its capability to attack with a deadly sting. The squadron relied on speed and surprise to attack larger vessels at close range. As a result, 65 percent of its men were awarded the Silver Star Medal and other decorations for gallantry inaction. This is a heroic legacy that the Philippine Fleet cherishes, perpetuates and lives by to this day and onward. After the war, Off Shore Patrol (OSP) was redesignated as Philippine Naval Patrol (PNP) on 24 October 1947 pursuant to GO Nr 228 issued by then General Jalandoni. Under this reorganization law of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Naval Patrol was elevated as one of its major command. After ironing out every detail of the reorganization as mandated by the Executive Order, the Philippine naval Patrol was formally organized on 02 June 1948. Col Jose V. Andrada was designated as commander, Philippine Naval Patrol. This title of his rank was later changed to Navy Captain, by authority of Sec 18 of Executive Order Nr 94. The Philippine Navy Patrol expanded with the integration of Marine Battalion, Underwater operations Unit, and Naval Air Unit to the Command. As it acquired bigger patrol and transport ships, the Patrol Force and the Service Force was also created. Then pursuant to Executive Order No. 389dated 23 Dec. 1950, the Armed Forces of the Philippines were reorganized into four major commands. The Executive Order likewise mandated the change of designation from the Philippine Naval Patrol to Philippine Navy.
