By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – Naval units from the Philippines and the United States successfully conducted the 16th bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday.
In a statement, the AFP said the activity beefed up “maritime interoperability and operational coordination” between Philippine units and their counterparts from the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM).
“The Philippines deployed the (guided-missile frigate) Philippine Navy’s BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6) with AW-109 helicopter, and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702),” it said.
Meanwhile, the USPACOM deployed the Avenger-class mine countermeasures USS Warrior (MCM-10) for the 16th MCA.
“Participating forces conducted passing honors and photo exercises during the one-day activity,” the AFP said.
It added that the latest iteration of MCA underscores the Philippines and the United States’ continued commitment to strengthening defense cooperation, enhancing maritime capabilities, and supporting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (PNA)
