CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The first iteration of the Multilateral Maritime Exercise (MME) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US-INDOPACOM), and the French Navy concluded on April 29, 2024 in Palawan, marking a historic milestone in regional cooperation and security.
Held as part of the ongoing Exercise Balikatan 39-24, the week-long event from April 25 to 29, 2024, witnessed active participation from Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the US Navy's landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), and the French Navy's FS Vendemiaire (FFH-734), a Floreal-class frigate.
The five-day exercise culminated in a series of impressive demonstrations, including a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX) showcasing their professionalism and coordination in a simulated formation sailing scenario, and documenting operations through proper photographic techniques for military purposes.
The participants also performed Surface Gun Exercise (GUNNEX) which tested the participating navies' live-fire capabilities and communication skills under challenging environment.
The first-ever MME provided the participating countries the knowledge and expertise which will be used to propel their naval forces to even greater capabilities. As the newest and one of the key activities in this year’s Balikatan, it enhanced preparedness and interoperability to address evolving challenges in the maritime domain.///
Photo by: AFP Western Command
