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PH, US naval, air units hold 6th joint maritime drill

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
May 21, 2025, 11:22 am

MANILA -- Naval and air units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command joined the sixth bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the waters of Palawan and Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday.

"Participating Philippine Navy assets included the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), an AW-109 naval helicopter, the Philippine Air Force's 'Super Tucano' and 'Sokol' helicopters, and the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403)," the AFP said in a statement Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the US deployed the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL-752) and a US Navy P-8A "Poseidon" maritime patrol aircraft, enhancing the combined forces' capabilities in surveillance and operational coordination.

The AFP said this is the first time Philippines and US coast guard vessels were deployed in such an activity.

The MCA between the Philippine and US military units started in November 2023.

This highlights a growing whole-of-nation approach to maritime cooperation, it added.

Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said MCAs are important in strengthening maritime defense.

"As the Philippines continues to navigate evolving maritime challenges, joint activities like the MCA reaffirm the AFP's commitment to modernizing its capabilities and strengthening defense partnerships to secure our national and regional maritime interests," he added.

Activities conducted in the sixth MCA include the communications check exercise, search and rescue exercise, division tactics and officer of the watch maneuver, photo exercise, and finish exercise. (PNA)