CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—Participating naval forces from the Philippines and the United States successfully conducted a series of advanced maritime drills on October 14 as part of Exercise SAMASAMA. Focusing on anti-submarine warfare and joint patrol operations, the exercise highlights both nations' commitment to enhancing interoperability and collective defense capabilities in maritime security.
The day’s activities included the Combined Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX), where both forces engaged in Torpedo Exercises using the Expandable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target (EMATTEX). The exercise provided both navies with the opportunity to hone their anti-submarine warfare techniques in a realistic and controlled environment.
In addition to CASEX, the Joint and Combined Patrol (Night Steaming in Company) was conducted, simulating real-world scenarios of patrolling contested waters. This drill aimed to enhance coordination between participating units in a nighttime operational setting, improving response capabilities in crisis situations.
Alongside these key exercises, the naval forces executed Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX) and Shipboard Casualty Care drills, further demonstrating their readiness to respond to both traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges. These activities not only focused on combat readiness but also on humanitarian assistance and disaster response, integral aspects of modern naval operations.
The ongoing Sea Phase of SAMASAMA 2024 underscores the shared objective of both the Philippines and the United States to address maritime security challenges through cooperation and joint operations. The participation of the Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and other allied navies in later exercises also further strengthens this commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
SAMASAMA 2024, now in its seventh iteration, represents the continuing evolution of bilateral maritime exercises, fostering stronger relationships among participating forces and enhancing overall regional security capabilities.
Photo by: NAVFORNOL
