AFP, US military hold joint maritime drills in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine and United States militaries recently held maritime exercises within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EZZ) in the West Philippine Sea as an affirmation of their partnership in safeguarding regional peace.

In a statement on Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the 9th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the US was held last Tuesday and Wednesday west of Zambales.

This was to improve the interoperability of the AFP and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) amid evolving security challenges.

“This activity reaffirms the enduring defense partnership between the Philippines and the US, maintaining the vital role in safeguarding regional peace and ensuring open and secure maritime domains,” the AFP said.

The AFP deployed BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), three FA-50 fighter jets, three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, one Philippine Air Force Black Hawk, and one Sokol helicopter.

For its part, the USINDOPACOM sent the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Philippine Navy personnel conduct an Officer of the Watch (OOW) Manning Exercise aboard BRP Jose Rizal, sharpening real-time navigation and situational awareness skills during the 9th PH-US bilateral MCA.

The recent MCA included the conduct of:

• Division tactics (DIVTACS) exercise
• Complex ship maneuvering exercise
• Night steaming in company (NSIC)
• Flyby or low pass of aircrafts, and
• “Intercept and escort" exercise.

The AFP said the joint maritime activity is a testament to the strong and growing alliance between the two countries.

“It reinforces shared commitments to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and a peaceful, stable Indo-Pacific region where the rights of all nations – big or small – are upheld,” it added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News