BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), a Philippine Navy Gregorio del Pilar class frigate.[File Photo]

The Philippine Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and one of the three uniformed services of the Republic of the Philippines. It has an estimated of 24,000 active personnel and operates 101 ships in active service.

The Philippine Navy operates around 100 ships and several aircrafts.

Ships

The names of commissioned ships of the Philippine Navy are prefixed with the letters "BRP", designating "Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas" (Ship of the Republic of the Philippines). The names of ships are often selected to honor important people and places.

The Philippine Navy is currently operating two frigates, while another one is currently undergoing refurbishing and refitting and will be commission by December 2012. There are eleven active corvettes and numerous patrol boats, amphibious landing ships and auxiliary ships.

Naval Air Group

The Naval Air Group comprises naval air assets. It prepares and provides these forces for naval operations with assets mainly for maritime reconnaissance and support missions. The group's headquarters is at Danilo Atienza Air Base, Cavite City.

Units

Naval Aviation Squadron MF-30 - operates BN-2A Islander

Naval Aviation Squadron MF-40 - operates Bo-105C

Naval Air School Center NATS-50 - operates Cessna 172 and R-22