The Multilateral Maritime Event (MME) of Exercise Balikatan 40-2025 concluded today, capping off six days of complex and coordinated naval operations that underscored the growing strength and unity of allied and partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.
Held from April 24-29, 2025, the MME spanned the waters from the vicinity of Subic Bay up to the Northern Luzon Command Joint Operational Area. This event brought together naval forces from the United States, the Philippines, the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Throughout the duration of the event, participating forces engaged in a wide array of high-end maritime activities including communications drills, division tactics, photo exercises, replenishment at sea, cross-deck landing qualifications, maritime search and rescue operations, and gunnery exercises.
Key naval and air assets deployed during the exercise included the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS36) from the Philippine Navy; BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV8301) from the Philippine Coast Guard; USS Savannah (LCS-28) and USS Comstock (LSD-45) from the United States Navy; and JS Yahagi (FFM-5) from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Aerial assets such as the Philippine Navy’s AW109 helicopter (NH434), the US Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk (Stinger 44), and the JMSDF’s SH-60K (Super Auk26) further supported the integrated air-sea operations.
More than just a training exercise, the MME is a reaffirmation of a shared vision for a secure, stable, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. Through Balikatan 40-2025, participating forces continue to strengthen their collective readiness, enhance operational coordination, and demonstrate a united front in the face of evolving regional maritime challenges.///
