World War I and Inter-War Years U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay

1933: vought o3u-1 corsair observation planes aboard augusta during exercises in subic bay.

in 1917, united states drawn world war i, navy s shipyards including subic bay began working @ feverish pace prepare ships sea. american , filipino workers take pride in workmanship such destroyers overhauled in subic bay became vanguard of admiral william sims s convoy.

the washington naval treaty of 1922 called limitation of naval armaments , included provisions facilities repair , maintenance of american naval forces in philippines reduced. shops dismantled @ navy yard @ subic bay , fort wint reduced caretaker status , personnel levels cut.

the japanese government kept close eye on activities in philippines violations of 1922 treaty. during typhoon season of 1928, vt squadron 5 operated martin torpedo aircraft out of manila, arrived in subic bay on routine training flight. typhoon veered toward subic bay , plane crews had lay down ramps haul seaplanes on beach. pontoons filled water , planes lashed down. when typhoon had passed, undamaged planes refloated , returned tenders @ manila.

within 3 weeks, squadron commander informed of japanese complaint navy had violated treaty increasing facilities plane handling @ subic bay. squadron commander provide facts concerning incident office of governor-general of philippines response made tokyo government.

even though facilities @ subic bay reduced under coolidge administration, ship repair capability remained, including dewey drydock. great kantō earthquake occurred on 30 august 1923, devastating yokohama, japan region. transport ship merritt set sail subic bay in 72 hours loaded red cross relief supplies , 200 filipino nurses.

in 1930s tree-planting program had begun, transforming naval station virtual tropical garden, streets lined coconut palms, hibiscus, , gardenias. outside activities , sports promoted, golf course being laid out lowry hall last stood.