US carrier strike group joins PH in maritime activity in WPS

The United States deployed a carrier strike group to the West Philippine Sea to conduct the first Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) of 2025 with Filipino forces in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Sunday.
In a statement from AFP spokesperson, Colonel Xerxes Trinidad (PA), the MCA with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) took place in the Palawan area on January 17-18.
The AFP said the activity included the guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), the offshore patrol vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), two FA50 fighter aircraft, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.
Backing up the Filipino forces was a US aircraft carrier strike group centered around the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and its air group. It was escorted by the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59), destroyer USS Sterett (DDG-104), an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter, a V-22 Osprey helicopter, and two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter bombers.
On January 17, the AFP said the combined forces conducted a Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics / Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuver, and a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX). The exercises continued on January 18 with the participants conducting Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training (DACT).
This fifth iteration of the MCA with the United States reinforced bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability, the AFP said.
”This MCA is a crucial element of our continued efforts to strengthen defense cooperation. With each exercise, we become increasingly prepared and effective in addressing the challenges ahead. This is a result of our shared commitment and mutual effort to safeguard our national interests, and secure a peaceful region.” AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo S Brawner Jr. said.
In another incident in the country's territorial waters, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it issued another radio challenge on Saturday against China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 or the “monster ship” which has been operating unlawfully off Zambales coastline.
This after the Philippines and China agreed Thursday to an indefinite implementation of an arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions by Manila at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
—RF, GMA Integrated News