Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and the United States held their first maritime cooperative activity (MCA) this year in the West Philippine Sea in Palawan.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it conducted a communications check exercise, division tactics/officer of the watch maneuver, photo exercise, and dissimilar aircraft combat training with the United States Indo-Pacific Command on Jan. 17 to 18.
”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,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement.
“This is a result of our shared commitment and mutual effort to safeguard our national interests, and secure a peaceful region,” he added.
The Philippines utilized the BRP Antonio Luna, BRP Andres Bonifacio, two FA50 fighter aircraft, and Philippine Air Force search and rescue assets.
Among the assets that the US used were the USS CARL VINSON Carrier Strike Group, USS Princeton, USS Sterett, an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter, a V-22 Osprey helicopter, and two F-18 Hornet aircraft.
The activity is the Philippines’ fifth MCA with the US.
