CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) successfully conducted the third PH-US Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, February 9, reaffirming the countries’ commitment to bolstering regional security and stability.
The Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15) and AW109 Helicopter (NH434) together with the U.S. Navy’s USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), embarked with an MH-60S Sea Hawk, sailed together and participated in advanced planning and maritime communication operations within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
The MCA has become a routine activity for both Filipino and U.S. militaries to continuously enhance interoperability through the conduct of maritime security and maritime domain awareness operations. Among the events held were communication exercise, photo exercise, and division tactics or Officer of the Watch Maneuver.
“The continuous maritime cooperative activity manifests the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the U.S. militaries. It demonstrates our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and fosters closer cooperation towards further enhancing our maritime capabilities,” AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr said.///
(Photo by WESCOM, AFP)
