Filipino and American marines demonstrated their growing interoperability and maritime defense capabilities through a joint maritime strike event exercise held on Friday, Oct. 17, at the headquarters of the 4th Marine “Makusug” Brigade (4MBDE) in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

The activity formed part of the Marine Air Support Activity 2025 (MASA 25), a large-scale bilateral training program between the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) designed to strengthen cooperation, readiness, and operational coordination in air and maritime operations.

The maritime strike exercise simulated coordinated air and naval maneuvers against hostile maritime targets, integrating surveillance, target acquisition, and precision strike operations.

Participating units included the PMC’s 4MBDE, USMC’s 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Philippine Navy’s Naval Air Wing (NAW, PN), and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The units practiced identifying, tracking, and neutralizing simulated enemy vessels using a combination of aircraft, ships, and ground-based command elements.

The exercise was personally overseen by Col. Noel M. Tiu, deputy commander of the 4MBDE; and Col. Robb McDonald, commander of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Both officers underscored the importance of continued multinational cooperation and advanced joint training in maintaining regional maritime security.

“The partnership between 4MBDE, USMC, NAW, PN, and PAF demonstrates our shared commitment to a secure and stable maritime environment. This joint exercise enhances operational readiness and fosters vital relationships across allied and partner forces,” Tiu said.

The PMC said that the continued success of the MASA series underscores the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the United States, anchored on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) which commits both nations to mutual support in case of external armed attack.