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PH, US Forces Wrap Up Six-Day Maritime Drills In West Philippine Sea
Photo credit: AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) have successfully concluded a six-day Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea, further strengthening defense and maritime cooperation between the two allies.
Held from June 14 to 19, the exercise marked the fourth Philippines-United States MCA conducted this year and brought together naval, air, marine, and coast guard assets from both countries.
The Philippines deployed several key assets, including the BRP Diego Silang, FA-50 fighter jets, an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft, and Sokol helicopters. The Philippine Coast Guard also participated through the BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Sindangan.
On the American side, USINDOPACOM fielded the USCGC Charles Moulthrope, USCGC Emlen Tunnell, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and personnel from the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.
Throughout the six-day activity, Filipino and American forces carried out a range of exercises designed to improve coordination and operational readiness at sea. These included search-and-rescue operations, visit-board-search-and-seizure drills, communication exercises, tactical maneuvering activities, photo exercises, and a joint fires rehearsal.
According to the AFP, the successful completion of the maritime exercise underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States. The activity also aimed to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve interoperability between allied forces, and reinforce support for a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
The latest exercise comes as both nations continue to deepen security cooperation and strengthen their ability to respond to maritime challenges while promoting stability and security in regional waters.
Held from June 14 to 19, the exercise marked the fourth Philippines-United States MCA conducted this year and brought together naval, air, marine, and coast guard assets from both countries.
The Philippines deployed several key assets, including the BRP Diego Silang, FA-50 fighter jets, an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft, and Sokol helicopters. The Philippine Coast Guard also participated through the BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Sindangan.
On the American side, USINDOPACOM fielded the USCGC Charles Moulthrope, USCGC Emlen Tunnell, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and personnel from the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.
Throughout the six-day activity, Filipino and American forces carried out a range of exercises designed to improve coordination and operational readiness at sea. These included search-and-rescue operations, visit-board-search-and-seizure drills, communication exercises, tactical maneuvering activities, photo exercises, and a joint fires rehearsal.
According to the AFP, the successful completion of the maritime exercise underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States. The activity also aimed to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve interoperability between allied forces, and reinforce support for a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
The latest exercise comes as both nations continue to deepen security cooperation and strengthen their ability to respond to maritime challenges while promoting stability and security in regional waters.
Jun 20, 2026
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