A Buckley-class destroyer escort, it was originally named USS Bowers during its previous service with the United States Navy.

Rajah Soliman was also the flagship of the Philippine Navy during its time in commission, which ended with the sinking of the vessel in 1964.

The storm battered the ship's superstructure and starboard side against the pier, causing Rajah Soliman to capsize and sink at the dock.

[1][2][4] After the vessel had been successfully raised, it was towed to the Ship Repair Facility at Subic Naval Base, located nearby.

[3] A survey of the raised Rajah Soliman found that the ship had been damaged beyond economical repair.