The Philippine Navy has deployed Naval Task Group 80.5 aboard BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) to participate in the 2nd ASEAN–US Maritime Exercise (AUMX 2025), scheduled from 8 to 14 December in Batam, Indonesia.

The contingent was formally sent off on 4 December at Naval Operating Base Subic, Zambales, in a ceremony led by Commodore Peter Jempsun De Guzman, Commander of the Naval Defense Command.

AUMX 2025, co-hosted by Indonesia and the United States, follows the inaugural exercise held in 2019 in the Gulf of Thailand. 

This year’s drills stem from a proposal raised during the 2023 ASEAN–US Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting. 

The activity focuses on maritime crisis response, information sharing, and operational interoperability among ASEAN navies and US forces.

The Philippine Navy will join participating countries in a series of sea and port events designed to improve coordinated responses to maritime incidents and enhance cooperative security efforts in the region.

In his message, De Guzman underscored the importance of maintaining good diplomatic relations with ASEAN and the US Navy, as well as showcasing the Philippine Navy’s operational readiness and interoperability.