The navies of the Philippines and United States completed its third staff-to-staff talks this week, providing a platform for the troops to have meaningful discussions of significant subjects including cooperation, military exchanges, and various training opportunities to ensure safety and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The discussions between the Philippine Fleet (PF) and the US 7^th Fleet (C7F) were held from June 20 to 21 aboard the USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the Japan-based fleet, which was berthed at Pier 15 in South Harbor, Manila.

“A regular dialogue and information exchange, the staff-to-staff talks between the Philippine Fleet and the US 7th Fleet aim to improve the mutual cooperation between the two navies, emphasizing mutual commitment to enhancing regional and international collaboration toward the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Lt. Giovanni Badidles, PF public affairs office chief, said on Sunday, June 23.

PF commander Rear Adm. Renato David and C7F commander Vice Adm. Fred Kacher co-chaired the proceedings and dubbed them as “fruitful”.

Among the topics discussed were maritime cooperative activities, naval aviation activities, exercises, port visits, personnel exchanges, and Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).

David lauded all the participants for their efforts and expertise that led to the success of the staff-to-staff talks which initially began last May in a preliminary discussion.

The C7F conducts forward deployed naval operations in support of the US’ national interests in the Indo-Asia Pacific area of operations.

As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, the C7F interacts with dozens of maritime nations, including the Philippines, to build maritime partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.

The C7F contingent arrived in the country on June 19 and visited the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Manila.

Kacher earlier expressed support for the PN's operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid China's aggression, recognizing the importance of the partnership between Manila and Washington amid "challenging times".

"We are glad we are here during these challenging times. This underscores all the things that our national leaders are saying with respect to our relationship as friends and partners," Kacher said.

Two days before the C7F's arrival, the China Coast Guard (CCG) obstructed a resupply mission of the Philippine Navy in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal which turned violent and led to the dismemberment of the right thumb of an elite Filipino trooper.