The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted the 6th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) on May 20, 2025, in the strategic waters of Palawan and Occidental Mindoro.
Participating Philippine Navy assets included the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905), an AW109 naval helicopter, the Philippine Air Force’s Super Tucano and Sokol helicopters, and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV 4403).
Meanwhile, U.S. participation featured the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, enhancing the combined forces’ capabilities in surveillance and operational coordination.
Marking a milestone in maritime collaboration, this was the first time the U.S. Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard jointly participated in an MCA, highlighting a growing whole-of-nation approach to maritime cooperation.
The activity featured a series of exercises, including Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), Division Tactics and Officer of the Watch Maneuver (DIVTACS/OOW), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), and Finish Exercise (FINEX).
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. highlighted the activity’s importance in strengthening maritime defense: “As the Philippines continues to navigate evolving maritime challenges, joint activities like the MCA reaffirm the AFP’s commitment to modernizing its capabilities and strengthening defense partnerships to secure our national and regional maritime interests.”
Photo by PS16
