The Philippine Navy welcomed Vice Admiral Joseph Buzzella, Commander of the US Coast Guard Pacific Area, during an official visit at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila on June 25, 2026.
Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe PN, Commander of the Philippine Fleet, received Buzzella on behalf of the Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy.
During the visit, Buzzella reaffirmed the United States Coast Guard’s commitment to continued regional engagement and cooperation with allied maritime forces.
“I am here to demonstrate and show that I am committed to ensuring that our forces will remain in the region,” Buzzella said, emphasizing ongoing partnership efforts to support maritime security and deterrence.
Rear Admiral Orbe expressed appreciation for the visit, noting the importance of broadening cooperation beyond traditional naval counterparts.
“We’re so thankful that aside from our counterparts from the US Navy and others in the region, the Coast Guard is with us,” Orbe said.
Both sides discussed potential expansion of collaboration in areas such as training, operational coordination, and information-sharing to enhance interoperability between maritime forces.
The visit underscores continuing efforts by the Philippines and the United States to strengthen maritime security cooperation and maintain stability in the region.