By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
Naval and air units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States (U.S.) Indo-Pacific Command joined the sixth bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) that was held in the waters of Palawan and Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday, May 20.
AFP said in a statement on Wednesday, May 21 “Participating Philippine Navy assets included the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), an AW-109 naval helicopter, the Philippine Air Force’s ‘Super Tucano’ and ‘Sokol’ helicopters, and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403).”
Meanwhile, the U.S. deployed the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL-752) and a U.S. Navy P-8A “Poseidon” maritime patrol aircraft, enhancing the combined forces’ capabilities in surveillance and operational coordination.
The AFP said this is the first time Philippines and U.S. coast guard vessels were deployed in such an activity.
The MCA between the Philippine and U.S. military units started in November 2023. This highlights a growing Whole-of-Nation approach to maritime cooperation, it added.
Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said MCAs are important in strengthening maritime defense, “As the Philippines continues to navigate evolving maritime challenges, joint activities like the MCA reaffirm the AFP’s commitment to modernizing its capabilities and strengthening defense partnerships to secure our national and regional maritime interests.”
Activities conducted in the sixth MCA include the communications check exercise, search and rescue exercise, division tactics and officer of the watch maneuver, photo exercise, and finish exercise. (PNA)
