The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducted a joint maritime exercise in the vicinity waters off Subic Bay, Zambales on Aug. 31.
Units under Task Force Pagsasanay including BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP Sindangan, BRP Capones, a PCG-manned Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, BRP Lapu-Lapu, and airbus helicopter CGH-1451 represented the PCG.
The USCG, on the other hand, sent the USCG cutter Munro with unmanned aircraft system (UAS) Scan Eagle.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo said the PCG and USCG performed exercises on vessel communication, search and rescue (SAR), small boat operation, multi-vessel maneuvering, and emergency response operations in distressed situations such as fire onboard and man overboard.
Members of the PCG joined the USCG aboard the Munro as they launched the UAS to aid in the SAR operation. The initiative served as an opportunity for the PCG and USCG to discuss best practices and learn from each other.
The joint maritime exercise is anchored in the Philippine – United States cooperation to promote security and enhance law enforcement interoperability in the country’s maritime jurisdiction.
PCG Commandant Adm. George Ursabia Jr. said the strong partnership between the PCG and USCG has been instrumental in the modernization of the armed service and the professionalism of its manpower through collaborative engagements and technical exchange programs.
“The success of the joint maritime exercise between the PCG and USCG will not only strengthen international partnerships for immediate response to calamities and disasters, but will also ensure that our personnel could effectively perform their mandated functions in countering terrorism and other acts of lawlessness in our country’s waters,” Ursabia added.
For its part, the Munro’s commanding officer, Capt. Blake Novak, said they thoroughly enjoyed the PCG’s professionalism and hospitality, and they look forward to future bilateral operations to further the PCG and USCG’s long-standing relationship.
“As the maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region become increasingly complex, partnering with our Coast Guard counterparts is vital to our shared interest in a free and open maritime environment,” Novak said.
Meanwhile, the commander of the USCG Pacific Area, Vice Adm. Michael McAllister, said the strong bilateral relationship of the PCG and USCG is rooted in a deep and abiding interest in a rules-based international order.
“Partnering with the Philippines to enhance freedom of the seas is essential to the security, stability, and prosperity of all nations,” he added.
(PCG) – jlo
