CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) completed the first Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) of 2025 in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Palawan area on January 17-18.
Philippine assets involved in the activity included the BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), two FA50 fighter aircraft, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.
On the U.S. side, participating assets included the USS CARL VINSON Carrier Strike Group (VIN CSG), USS Princeton (CG59), USS Sterett (DDG104), an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter, a V-22 Osprey helicopter, and two F-18 Hornet aircraft.
On January 17, the forces conducted a Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics / Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuver, and a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX). The exercises continued on January 18 with the participants conducting Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training (DACT).
This fifth iteration of the MCA with the United States reinforced bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability.
”This MCA is a crucial element of our continued efforts to strengthen defense cooperation. With each exercise, we become increasingly prepared and effective in addressing the challenges ahead. This is a result of our shared commitment and mutual effort to safeguard our national interests, and secure a peaceful region.” AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo S Brawner Jr said.
