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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, US military and Coast Guard forces hold maritime exercises in waters off Palawan, Mindoro

PH, US military and Coast Guard forces hold maritime exercises in waters off Palawan, Mindoro

Published May 21, 2025 10:30 am  |  Updated May 21, 2025 03:01 pm

At A Glance

  • In this year's joint training exercises, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard jointly participated for the first time 
USCG Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) maneuver in unison during the 6th bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity on May 20, 2025. (photo: AFP)
USCG Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) maneuver in unison during the 6th bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity on May 20, 2025. (photo: AFP)

Military and Coast Guard forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted joint training exercises off the waters of Palawan and Occidental Mindoro which were aimed at improving their capabilities in surveillance and operational coordination.

Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the activity was part of the SIxth Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the Philippine military and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).

In this year’s joint training exercises, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard jointly participated for the first time. 

Brawner said the participation of the Coast Guard forces of the two countries highlighted a growing whole-of-nation approach to maritime cooperation.

“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,” said Brawner.

The participating Philippine Navy assets were the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905), an AW109 naval helicopter while the Philippine Air Force (PAF) sent its Super Tucano and Sokol helicopters.

The Philippine Coast Guard, on the other hand, deployed BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV 4403).

The US, on the other hand, utilized its Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and its Navy’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The activity featured a series of exercises, including Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), Division Tactics and Officer of the Watch Maneuver (DIVTACS/OOW), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), and Finish Exercise (FINEX).

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