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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP, US, Australia hold 19th maritime activity in West PH Sea to boost interoperability

AFP, US, Australia hold 19th maritime activity in West PH Sea to boost interoperability

Published Aug 26, 2026 10:01 am

At A Glance

  • The Armed Forces of the Philippines, United States Pacific Command, and Australian Defence Force conducted a weeklong maritime and air activity from Aug. 19 to 25 to strengthen coordination and interoperability.
  • The AFP deployed BRP Diego Silang, and several aircraft, while the US and Australia fielded warships, helicopters and P-8A Poseidon aircraft as part of the 19th multilateral maritime cooperative activity. The Philippine Coast Guard also joined the activity through BRP Teresa Magbanua.
  • The forces conducted communications, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, replenishment at sea, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuvers, photo exercises, and fly-bys.
BRP Diego Silang (FFG7) and Australia's HMAS Supply (A-195) perform Replenishment at Sea (RAS) operations as part of the 19th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, held from Aug. 19 to 25, 2026. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
BRP Diego Silang (FFG7) and Australia's HMAS Supply (A-195) perform Replenishment at Sea (RAS) operations as part of the 19th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, held from Aug. 19 to 25, 2026. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its counterparts from the United States and Australia conducted a weeklong series of maritime and air operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) aimed at improving how their forces coordinate during joint missions, it was revealed on Wednesday, aug. 26.
The 19th multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) between the AFP, US Pacific Command (USPACOM), and Australian Defence Force (ADF) was held from Aug. 19 to 25, involving complex maritime and air operations designed to enhance the participating forces' ability to work together in support of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the MMCA is a regular multilateral activity involving the Philippines and its allied nations to provide an opportunity to practice coordinated operations and improve their ability to communicate and maneuver together.
“The successful completion of the 19th MMCA underscores the enduring commitment of the Philippines, the United States, and Australia to strengthening defense cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and promoting peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
The AFP deployed the Philippine Navy's BRP Diego Silang (FFG7), an AW109 utility helicopter, Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets, Cessna 208B utility aircraft, and Sokol search and rescue helicopter. The Philippine Coast Guard also joined the activity through BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), a multi-role response vessel.
Meanwhile, the United States deployed USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32), an Independence-class littoral combat ship, and P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine warfare aircraft, while Australia sent HMAS Supply (A-195), a Supply-class replenishment oiler, an MH-60R anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter, and a P-8A aircraft.
The participating forces carried out a series of exercises that tested their coordination at sea and in the air, including communications exercises, maritime domain awareness operations, anti-submarine warfare, replenishment at sea, division tactics, and officer of the watch maneuvers.
They also conducted photo exercises and fly-by operations as part of the activity.

Related Tags

AFP MMCA United States Australia West Philippine Sea
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