The Philippines and the United States conducted combined naval drills in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between their defense forces, according to an announcement by the Armed Forces on Friday.
The 16th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) involved three vessels operating in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Navy deployed the guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar along with an AW109 helicopter, while the Philippine Coast Guard dispatched the multi-role response vessel BRP Melchora Aquino.
The US Pacific Command deployed the USS Warrior, an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, to participate in the joint maneuver.
“(The) participating forces conducted Passing Honors and Photo Exercise during the one-day activity,” the military said in a statement.
The Armed Forces noted that the exercises were completed successfully, “strengthening maritime interoperability and operational coordination between the two forces.”
“The latest iteration of MCA underscores the Philippines and the United States’ continued commitment to strengthening defense cooperation, enhancing maritime capabilities, and supporting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” the AFP also said.