Metro Manila, Philippines – The United States has provided two new 27-meter Marine Protector-class vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard as the two allies strengthen maritime security cooperation, US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton said.
Lipton said the new vessels will support the PCG’s search and rescue missions, marine environmental protection and maritime domain awareness.
“SECURING OUR SEAS. The U.S. government provided two new 27-meter MARINE PROTECTOR-CLASS VESSELS to join the Philippine Coast Guard fleet,” Lipton said in a social media post.
The announcement came as Lipton visited the PCG headquarters and met Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan to discuss ways to expand maritime security cooperation between Manila and Washington.
“Our coast guard collaboration helps strengthen the IRONCLAD U.S.-Philippines Alliance,” Lipton said.
The additional vessels come as the Philippines continues to strengthen the PCG’s capabilities amid persistent maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The United States has repeatedly reaffirmed that its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines applies to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, aircraft and public vessels, including Coast Guard vessels, anywhere in the South China Sea.
