Philippines, US complete 10th maritime exercise in WPS

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it has successfully concluded the 10th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) in the West Philippine Sea, west of Zambales, within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), on 16 December.

The exercise, which followed the 9th bilateral MCA held on 9 to 10 December, showcased interoperability and operational readiness of both forces in complex maritime operations.

The AFP deployed the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, three FA-50 fighter jets, and a Sokol search and rescue helicopter. USINDOPACOM contributed with the USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Key activities during the exercise included communication checks, maritime domain awareness reporting, raid exercises, division tactics/officer of the watch maneuvers with photo exercises, and low passes/fly-bys.

Additionally, a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation was conducted by Naval Special Warfare Unit-9 aboard the BRP Miguel Malvar.

AFP Public Affairs Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the conduct of the 10th Bilateral MCA demonstrates continued coordination between the Philippines and the United States in supporting freedom of navigation, overflight, and regional maritime security.