Offshore Patrol

The Offshore Patrol (OSP), also known as the Mosquito Fleet was a small naval branch of the Army, intended for inshore defense of the Philippines that was active from February 9, 1939 to June 30, 1946. The OSP became part of the United States Army Forces in the Far East in July 26, 1941, with General Douglas MacArthur as Commander. The Patrol engaged in limited patrol operations along the coastlines of Bataan and Corregidor, against the tight enemy blockade, to bring much-needed provisions to the beleaguered Filipino & American troops. Undaunted by enemy superiority, the ubiquitous patrol boats fought with zeal, courage and heroism hitting Japanese warships with torpedoes when given the opportunity. The unit relied on speed and surprise to attack larger vessels at close range.