Offshore Patrol

The Offshore Patrol (Mosquito Fleet) was a small naval force, intended for inshore defenses, of the Philippine Army. It was called for by the Philippine National Assembly in its National Defense Act of 1935. This act called for the creation, by 1946, of a force of 36 torpedo boats (PT) which were to be built and designed by British shipbuilders.

Two of the boats had been delivered by 1939, when the war in Europe began. By October 1941, a third boat had been assembled in the Philippines. Apparently there were eventually five boats built, and attached to USAFFE, although they are not always listed in strength and composition tables.

On December 4, 1941 Enrique L. “Henry” Jurado (1911-1944), U.S. Naval Academy graduate (Class of ’34) became the officer-in-command of the OSP, just before the Pearl Harbor attack.

Offshore patrol torpedo boat designs
The PT-boats of the Offshore Patrol were to be 65 ft, with a 13 ft beam. They were to have three 12-cylinder engines, and a speed of 41 kn. Their armament was to consist of two torpedo tubes, depth charges, and light antiaircraft guns.

US Military Advisor to the Commonwealth of the Philippines General Douglas MacArthur states, "A small fleet of such vessels will have distinct effect in compelling any hostile force to approach cautiously."

Torpedo boats of the Offshore Patrol
These boats were based at Cavite Naval Base, Luzon


 * PT Q-111 Luzon
 * Major E. Jurado
 * PT Q-112 Abra
 * Lieutenant R. Alcaraz
 * PT Q-113 Agusan
 * Lieutenant S. Nuval
 * PT Q-114 Danday
 * Lieutenant A. Campo
 * PT Q-115 ?
 * Lieutenant C. Albert

The Off Shore Patrol craft were berthed at "Muele del Codo" Engineer Island in Manila's Port Area. During the Bataan Campaign they operated out of Sisiman bay. The US PT boats of Lt. Bulkeley were also in the same bay but alongside a tender:
 * Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three
 * PT 41