Naval forces from the Philippines and the United States successfully conducted a Division Tactics (DIVTACS) drill on 26 April 2025, 21 nautical miles west off the coast of San Felipe, Zambales, as part of the ongoing Multilateral Maritime Event (MME) under Exercise Balikatan 40-2025.
The DIVTACS drill aimed to enhance interoperability and coordination among participating navy vessels through the execution of tactical maneuvers. It focused on improving the fleet’s ability to operate as a cohesive unit by practicing tactical signals, maneuvering procedures, and command and control.
Participating in the drill were Philippine Navy vessels BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS36), alongside the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301). From the U.S. Navy, USS Savannah (LCS 28) and USS Comstock (LSD 45) joined the training event.
The successful execution of DIVTACS underscores the commitment of all participating forces to strengthen maritime cooperation, readiness, and collective defense capabilities.///
