The Philippine Navy formally sent off Naval Task Group 84 aboard BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) on Thursday, June 4, for the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2026 in Hawaii, as the Philippine Coast Guard joins the world’s largest international maritime exercise with a vessel for the first time.
The send-off ceremony was held at Naval Operating Base-Subic in Zambales and was led by Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, together with the ship’s crew, support personnel and guests.
The deployment marks the Navy’s return to RIMPAC ship operations after its last vessel participation in 2022.
“This ceremony is important since our last ship deployment to RIMPAC dates back to 2022. As such, our return to this multinational activity highlights our commitment to becoming a ‘credible partner’ under our SAIL Plan 2040 vision,” Ezpeleta said.
“We likewise strengthen maritime cooperation with partner nations and navies in order to continue advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added.
BRP Miguel Malvar will represent the Philippine Navy in a series of professional exchanges, operational activities and maritime training events alongside forces from other participating nations.
This year’s exercise also marks a milestone for the Philippine Coast Guard, which is sending a vessel to RIMPAC for the first time. Local reports identified the PCG vessel as BRP Gabriela Silang, broadening the country’s representation in the multinational exercise and highlighting closer Navy-Coast Guard coordination.
RIMPAC 2026, hosted by the United States, will run from June 24 to July 31 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The U.S. Pacific Fleet said the exercise will involve 31 nations, around 40 surface ships, five submarines, 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel.
During the ceremony, Ezpeleta urged the Filipino contingent to uphold professionalism, discipline and excellence as they represent the country.
“I trust that every sailor and marine who will embark on this mission will demonstrate excellence and a forward-looking mindset in everything that you will do, epitomizing a new era of maritime capability for the Philippines,” he said.
The Navy said the deployment forms part of its continuing efforts to improve interoperability, deepen maritime partnerships and strengthen operational readiness through realistic and complex training environments.
The PCG’s first vessel participation also underscores the country’s broader maritime security posture, as the Philippines continues to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and engagement with partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.