Naval and air units from the Philippines and the United States conducted their 10th bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.
In a statement, the AFP said the exercise with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) was held west of Zambales, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines deployed the guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, three FA-50 fighter jets, and a Sokol search and rescue helicopter. The AFP said the deployment demonstrated the country’s growing operational readiness and its ability to integrate with allied forces in complex maritime operations.
The United States, for its part, deployed the guided missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The latest exercise followed the ninth Philippine-U.S. bilateral MCA held on Dec. 9–10.
According to the AFP, activities included communication check exercises, maritime domain awareness reporting, a raid exercise, division tactics and officer-of-the-watch maneuvers with a photo exercise, a low pass and fly-by, and a visit, board, search, and seizure drill conducted by Naval Special Warfare Unit-9 aboard BRP Miguel Malvar.
The AFP said the activity reaffirmed support for freedom of navigation and overflight and contributed to maritime security, regional stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.