Bajo de Masinloc, WPS—The Philippine Navy’s AW109 helicopter is the first military aircraft to land on a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel, a historic milestone in the country’s inter-agency maritime cooperation amid the evolving security landscape. 

The landmark landing took place on Monday, 26 January, during the deck landing qualification exercise as part of the 11th Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM)—within the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The PCG’s second largest and most modern vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang, has participated in the deck landing qualification exercise with the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) and BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), along with the United States (US) Navy’s DDG 113 (John Finn). 

The Navy’s AW109 helicopter carried out flight maneuvers as part of a deck landing qualification exercise aboard BRP Antonio Luna and  BRP Gabriela Silang.

Capt. Jennifer Monforte, BRP Antonio Luna’s Commanding Officer, said such an exercise would enhance the country’s maritime search and rescue operation, vertical replenishment, as well as other humanitarian assistance and disaster response at sea. 

He also noted that the use of helicopters in maritime operations allows them to extend their operational horizon during patrols, including critical search and rescue missions. 

In a separate interview, PCG Commanding Officer of BRP Gabriela Silang, Capt. George Maganto, described the landing as a historic milestone in inter-agency cooperation.

“The first landing of an Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine Navy aircraft on a Philippine Coast Guard vessel may be considered historic as it makes significant milestone in joint operational capability and reflects the growing trust and coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard,”  Maganto said.

He noted that the operation faced challenges such as weather conditions, timing, and safety coordination in a dynamic maritime environment, but these were successfully addressed through meticulous planning and close inter-agency collaboration.

“This activity enhances interoperability between the PCG and the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea by strengthening coordination, communication, and joint response at sea—vital elements in addressing maritime security challenges in the area,” he added.

The 11th MCA marks the third time the PCG has participated in the bilateral maritime exercise of the AFP and USINDOPACOM in the West Philippine Sea.

Previously, PCG multi-role response vessels BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP San Agustin (MRRV 4408) took part in the 9th MCA on 9 to10 December 2025, while BRP Cabra (MRRV 4409) and BRP Suluhan (MRRV 4406) joined the 10th MCA on 15 December 2025.

Commanding officers from both services said the latest exercise underscores the deepening maritime cooperation among allied forces in addressing evolving security challenges in the WPS.