CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), successfully conducted a Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea from June 14 to 19, marking the fourth PH–US MCA conducted this 2026.
The exercise featured Philippine naval, air, and marine assets, including the BRP Diego Silang (FFG7), AW109 helicopter, FA-50 fighter aircraft, C-208B aircraft, and Sokol helicopters. The Philippine Coast Guard deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV 4407). Meanwhile, USINDOPACOM contributed with the USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141), USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, joined by the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.
Over the six-day activity, participating forces conducted a series of maritime interoperability exercises, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), Communication Exercises (COMMEX), Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuvers, Photo Exercise (PHOTEX), and Joint Fires Rehearsal.
The successful conduct of the MCA highlights the enduring commitment of the Philippines and the United States to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance maritime domain awareness, and reaffirm support for a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Photos by: PO3 Gonzales PN and A1C Castro PAF / PAOAFP
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