Today, 33 years ago, on September 30, 1992 (Calendar 5 September 1992) the United States transferred its largest overseas military base to the Philippines. On September 30, 1992, the United States today transferred its largest overseas military base, the Subic naval base, to the Philippines, thus ending the era of special relations between the two countries. On September 30, a transfer ceremony was held at the Subic base. Three Philippine Navy soldiers lifted a bright Philippine national flag. A U.S. flag raised at the same time would fall when all U.S. troops withdrew on November 24. The transfer ceremony took place in a garden at the base. U.S. Ambassador Solomon and U.S. Navy Commander Mercer attended the transfer ceremony. U.S. Ambassador Solomon said that the withdrawal of the US base