The view from the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) as the Philippine Navy vessel sailed with the USS Shoup (DDG-86) and JS Noshiro (FFM-3) during the conduct of a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Friday (March 28, 2025). The MMCA aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States. (Photo courtesy of LTC Salgado PA/AFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), alongside naval units from Japan and the United States, carried out another “multilateral maritime cooperative activity” (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.
According to the AFP, the exercise was designed to boost interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of the participating forces.
Representing the Philippines were the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), an AW-109 helicopter, a C-90 aircraft, and various Air Force search-and-rescue units.
Japan contributed its multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3) and a maritime helicopter SH-60K, while the U.S. deployed the guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86), an MH-60R naval helicopter, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The exercise featured a range of coordinated drills, including communication checks, helicopter flight operations, maritime domain awareness and contact reporting, division tactics, personnel exchanges, and photo exercises.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the significance of these activities:
“The MMCA continuously highlights the vital improvements in our coordination, tactics, and shared maritime awareness. Every iteration strengthens our capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests.”
In a separate statement, the Japanese Embassy in Manila reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to supporting freedom of navigation and upholding maritime order in the region.
“Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States stand resolute in advancing the shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, reaffirming their shared commitment to a rules-based international order that promotes peace, security, and prosperity for all nations across the region,” the embassy said.
This marks the eighth MMCA held among the three nations and follows the JS Noshiro’s first-ever port visit to the Naval Operating Base Subic. According to the Japanese Embassy, both the visit and the joint drills underscore Japan’s ongoing commitment to maritime stability and regional security.