PH, US Coast Guards join forces for first time in Palawan, Mindoro maritime drills

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippines and the United States marked another milestone in their maritime partnership as their Coast Guards participated together for the first time in the bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) held on May 20 in the waters off Palawan and Occidental Mindoro.

Now on its sixth iteration, the MCA brought together key maritime assets from both countries to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate unity in maintaining regional stability and maritime security.

Representing the Philippine side were the Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905), an AW109 naval helicopter, the Air Force’s Super Tucano and Sokol helicopters, and the Coast Guard’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV 4403).

The United States deployed the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to join the drills, enhancing surveillance capabilities and joint operational coordination.

This participation of the two countries’ coast guards signals a broader and more unified approach to maritime security efforts.

The one-day cooperative engagement featured various combined drills, including communication checks (COMMEX), search and rescue exercises (SAREX), division tactics and officer of the watch maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), a photo exercise (PHOTOEX), and a final mission rehearsal (FINEX).

“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,” said AFP Chief Romeo Brawner in a statement.

The AFP adds that the MCA continues to serve as a platform for both allies to promote regional cooperation, ensure maritime domain awareness, and uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.