Phl, U.S. conclude WPS maritime drills

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) successfully concluded its 10th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday.

The exercise took place west of Zambales, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

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

The AFP deployed the frigate 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 the cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Key activities included Communication Checks, maritime domain awareness reporting, Raid Exercises, Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch Maneuvers with Photo Exercises and Low Passes/Fly-bys. Naval Special Warfare Unit-9 also conducted a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operation aboard the BRP Miguel Malvar.

AFP Public Affairs Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad stressed that the successful conduct of the 10th Bilateral MCA “underscores the Philippines’ and the United States’ shared commitment” to a rules-based Indo-Pacific, the freedom of navigation and overflight and regional maritime security.

The exercise “affirms our support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthens our alliance at sea,” Trinidad said.