The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Pacific Command completed another maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea, reinforcing defense cooperation between the two allies amid continuing efforts to strengthen maritime security and interoperability.
The two-day Philippines-United States Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity was held from June 27 to 28 and marked the fifth such exercise conducted by the two countries this year.
The AFP deployed the guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna and an AW109 helicopter. The Philippine Coast Guard also joined the activity with BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Capones.
The US side deployed two Coast Guard cutters, USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC Emlen Tunnell.
The activity included communication exercises, division tactics and officer of the watch maneuvers, a photo exercise, search and rescue drills, and maritime domain awareness operations.
The AFP said the latest MCA underscored the continuing Philippines-US alliance and the two countries’ shared commitment to improving operational coordination, strengthening maritime domain awareness, and supporting a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise also highlighted the growing role of joint maritime activities in enhancing readiness among Philippine and US forces operating in strategically important waters.