A ship that US and Philippine forces planned to sink beat them to it. A former US World War II-era warship, which survived two of the Pacific War’s most important battles, was supposed to go down in a blaze of glory in a live-fire exercise off the western coast of the Philippines as part of annually held joint military drills. Instead, before the bombs and missiles could fly, it slipped slowly beneath the South China Sea Monday morning, age and the ocean catching up to it before modern weaponry could decimate it. The ex-USS Brattleboro was to be the main target for the maritime strike (MARSTRIKE) portion of the annual US-Philippine “Balikatan” exercise, which began April 21 and runs to May 9. “The vessel was selected because it exceeded its service life and was no longer suitable for normal operations,” according to a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. A US Navy spokesperson told USNI News last month that the 81-year-old ship was to be the target for US Marine Corps F/A-18 fighter jets during the exercise. A report from the official Philippine News Agency (PNA) said it was to be hit by US and Philippine forces with a combination of anti-ship missiles, bombs and automatic cannon fire. But as the 184-foot-long vessel was being towed to its station for the exercise, 35 miles west of Zambales province on the northern Philippine island of Luzon, it took on water, the Philippine military statement said. “Due to rough sea conditions that we are currently experiencing in the exercise box and with its long service life, as is expected, she took on a significant amount of water and eventually sank,” Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said, according to PNA. He said the vessel was not damaged while being towed. The ship sank quietly at 7:20 a.m. local time near the spot where it was to be obliterated later in the day, according to the Philippine military. Other elements of the MARSTRKE exercise would go on, the military statement said. The Philippine and US joint task forces “will rehearse virtual and constructive fire missions,” the statement said, without detailing what elements were still scheduled as part of the drill. “The combined force will still achieve its training objectives,” it added. The Philippine military said there was no environmental danger from the sinking as the vessel had been cleaned before being towed out for the exercise. A distinguished history The sinking of the ex-USS Brattleboro was a quiet end for a ship that distinguished itself across decades. In World War II, it participated in the battles of Leyte Gulf and Okinawa, two key US defeats of Imperial Japanese forces in 1944 and 1945 respectively. The ship, designated as a submarine chaser, served in a key rescue and air defense role in the Battle of Leyte during the US invasion of the Philippines, according to the US Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC). Over the course of a month, it helped get more than 400 wounded soldiers from shore to larger hospital ships and shot down a Japanese aircraft, according to the NHHC. After further combat around the island of Palau and later again in the Philippines, Brattleboro got orders to head to Okinawa to support the US invasion there in the spring of 1945. The invasion of Okinawa commenced on April 1, and “over the next 91 days, the subchaser treated over 200 badly wounded men and rescued in excess of 1,000 survivors of ships that sank,” the NHC history says. After being retired from US service in the mid-1960s, the ship was transferred to the South Vietnamese military in 1966. With the fall of Saigon in 1975, the then-South Vietnamese ship was transferred to the Philippines, where it was recommissioned as the Miguel Malvar – a hero of the Philippine revolution – in the Philippine Navy in 1977. It was decommissioned in 2021. Heightened tensions Monday’s ship-sinking exercise was planned in an offshore area facing the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal, which has been closely guarded by the Chinese coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships, according to the Associated Press. The Philippines also claims the fishing atoll, which lies about 137 miles west of Zambales. This year’s Balikatan, called “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalag, involves more than 14,000 Filipino and US troops in exercises designed to be a “full battle test” between the two defense treaty allies in response to regional security concerns. China and the Philippines have faced increasing clashes in the waters near Scarborough Shoal in recent years, as China exerts its disputed sovereignty over the entirety of the vast South China Sea. And tensions between Beijing and Manila are their worst in years amid concerns of military conflict. China has vehemently opposed such exercises involving US forces in or near the South China Sea.
World War II-era target ship prematurely sinks before US and Philippine forces can use in drills
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"World War II-era ex-USS Brattleboro sinks before planned military drills in the Philippines"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
A former World War II-era warship, the ex-USS Brattleboro, unexpectedly sank on Monday morning off the western coast of the Philippines, prior to its intended use as a target in joint military exercises between US and Philippine forces. This vessel, which had a storied history, was set to be the primary target for the maritime strike (MARSTRIKE) portion of the annual Balikatan exercise, scheduled to run from April 21 to May 9. The Philippine military reported that the ship, which was being towed to its designated location, took on water due to rough sea conditions and eventually sank quietly at 7:20 a.m. local time, just 35 miles west of Zambales province. The Armed Forces of the Philippines noted that the vessel had exceeded its service life and was no longer suitable for operations, and a US Navy spokesperson had indicated that the ship was to be targeted by US Marine Corps fighter jets. Despite the unexpected sinking, the military confirmed that the remaining elements of the MARSTRIKE exercise would continue as planned, with the joint task forces still able to meet their training objectives without the ship as a target.
The ex-USS Brattleboro had a distinguished history during its service in World War II, participating in significant battles such as Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. It played a vital role in rescue operations and air defense during the Battle of Leyte, aiding in the evacuation of over 400 wounded soldiers and successfully downing a Japanese aircraft. After being retired from US service in the mid-1960s, the ship was transferred to the South Vietnamese military and later to the Philippine Navy, where it was renamed Miguel Malvar. The recent sinking occurred in an area facing the disputed Scarborough Shoal, a region that has seen heightened tensions between China and the Philippines. The Balikatan exercises involve over 14,000 troops and are part of efforts to strengthen defense ties between the two nations amidst growing regional security concerns, particularly regarding China's assertiveness in the South China Sea.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reports on an unexpected incident involving a former World War II-era warship, the ex-USS Brattleboro, which sank before it could be used as a target in military exercises between US and Philippine forces. This incident raises various questions regarding military preparedness, the condition of aging naval assets, and the implications for ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.
Purpose of the Article
This report seems to serve multiple purposes. It informs the public about a significant event related to military exercises, while also highlighting the historical significance of the vessel involved. The sinking of the ship before it could be destroyed in a planned exercise may create a narrative about the challenges of maintaining aging military equipment, which could prompt discussions on military funding and readiness.
Public Perception
The article aims to shape public perception regarding the age and condition of military assets. By emphasizing that the ship had exceeded its service life and was no longer suitable for operations, it may subtly suggest that military forces need to prioritize upgrading or replacing aging equipment. This could resonate with audiences concerned about national defense and military effectiveness.
Omissions and Hidden Agendas
While the article provides detailed information about the sinking of the ship, it does not delve into the broader implications of such incidents on military strategy or the defense budget. This omission could lead to speculation about whether there are underlying issues within military preparedness that are being glossed over. The focus remains on the event itself rather than its potential ramifications.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear overtly manipulative, but its framing could influence readers to align with a narrative that highlights the necessity for modernization within military forces. The language used is factual, yet the emphasis on the ship's age may evoke concerns about the reliability of military assets.
Comparison with Other News
When compared to other military-related news, this article could be linked to ongoing discussions about military readiness and modernization efforts globally. It may resonate with similar reports about aging military infrastructure in various countries, suggesting a broader trend that might warrant public attention.
Impact on Society and Economy
The incident could lead to discussions regarding military spending, especially if it raises awareness about the condition of military resources. Increased public discourse might influence policy decisions regarding defense budgets, which in turn could have economic implications related to military contracts and production.
Support and Audience
The article may attract attention from communities invested in military affairs, defense policy, and historical preservation. It could resonate particularly with those who advocate for military modernization and accountability in defense spending.
Market Implications
While this specific incident may not have immediate effects on stock markets, it could influence companies involved in defense contracting. If discussions about military readiness lead to increased funding for modernization, firms in the defense sector could see fluctuations in their stock values based on investor sentiment in response to such news.
Geopolitical Significance
The sinking of an aging warship before a joint military exercise underscores potential vulnerabilities in military readiness and cooperation. In the context of rising tensions in the South China Sea, this incident could be interpreted as a reminder of the need for robust and capable military forces among allied nations.
Use of AI in Article Construction
It is possible that AI tools were used for drafting or editing the article, particularly in structuring the narrative and ensuring clarity. However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that AI was used to manipulate the content or sway public opinion. The language remains straightforward and informative, with no evident biases that might indicate AI-generated text aiming to mislead.
In conclusion, while the article is primarily factual and informative, it subtly hints at broader issues concerning military preparedness and resource allocation. The overall reliability of the article is high, as it provides detailed accounts from credible sources without sensationalizing the event.