Pentagon Plans 41-Million-Gallon Fuel Depot in Davao Gulf to Support Navy Destroyer Operations

The Defense Logistics Agency has amended its Davao Gulf solicitation to require fueling capability for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, fleet replenishment oilers, dry cargo vessels, and fast combat support ships, USNI News reported 1. The planned Defense Fuel Support Point on Mindanao would store up to 41 million gallons, approximately 23 million gallons of naval distillate F76 and 18 million gallons of aviation-grade JP5, with contractor bids accepted through June 29 and activation targeted for April 2028 12. The Davao Gulf location places U.S. fueling capacity adjacent to the Sulu Sea used by carrier strike groups and amphibious assault ships transiting the first island chain, providing an alternative to South China Sea-facing Subic and Manila ports that could be exposed in a conflict with China 1. Philippine Navy Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed the facility would remain under Philippine ownership and is covered by the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and Visiting Forces Agreement 34. The City of Davao formally opposed the plans in April, stating it "does not welcome and will oppose any plan to build U.S. military facilities within the jurisdiction" 1.