Phl, U.S. hold joint sea-air drills in Manila Bay, Bataan waters

The Philippine and United States (US) military forces flexed their maritime muscle as they carried out a joint sea-and-air exercise in Manila Bay and waters off Mariveles, Bataan, over the weekend.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs chief, said the bilateral maritime drills on 20 March underscored a deepening security partnership amid evolving regional challenges.

“The activity, dubbed Bilateral MCA 26-3.1, was aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating forces in support of maritime security and sustaining maritime response in the Philippine Maritime Zones,” Trinidad said in a statement on Saturday.

The drills were aimed at sharpening interoperability and boosting the allies’ ability to respond swiftly to maritime threats within Philippine waters.

Philippine forces deployed a formidable mix of naval and aerial assets, including the guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-15); two A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft; a C-208B utility plane; and a Sokol search-and-rescue helicopter. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also sent its offshore patrol vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301).

The United States, for its part, deployed the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the command ship of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet.

At sea and in the air, participating units executed coordinated maneuvers, including communications checks and a photo exercise designed to test precision, timing, and joint command capabilities.

Trinidad stressed that the successful drills highlight the enduring alliance between Manila and Washington, as both sides push for stronger coordination in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law.

He added that the activity reflects the continuing commitment of both countries to regional stability and a rules-based order.

Meanwhile, the AFP said it will continue to build defense partnerships and enhance its capabilities to protect the country’s maritime interests, as joint operations with allied forces become increasingly vital in securing strategic waterways.