Daily Tribune
Locked and loaded Philippine Navy personnel operate a .50 caliber gun aboard the BRP Ramon Alcaraz during a surface target shooting exercise. The drill is part of the Gunnery Exercise within the Multilateral Maritime Event of Balikatan 2025.
Photograph courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines successfully conducted a gunnery exercise with the United States Armed Forces, showcasing the capabilities of two Philippine Navy warships as part of the ongoing 40th iteration of the Balikatan Exercises.
The live-fire drills featured .50-caliber gun maneuvers aboard the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and the BRP Apolinario Mabini.
The US Navy’s littoral combat ship USS Savannah, dock landing ship USS Comstock, and the Philippine Coast Guard’s offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang also participated in the maritime training conducted on 25 April.
Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado, chief of Balikatan’s Combined Joint Information Bureau, said
“Gunnex served as a platform for the joint forces to refine naval surface warfare tactics, improve communication interoperability, and strengthen maritime domain awareness in the West Philippine Sea.”
On the same day, the Philippine Navy’s guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal participated in a fire drill, first aid response, and casualty evacuation exercise.
“Held at sea, the activities aimed to enhance the crew’s readiness and coordination in responding to onboard emergencies, with emphasis on fire suppression, immediate medical response, and safe evacuation procedures in order to respond to various maritime emergencies,” Salgado said.
