Two large ships from the United States and Japan have arrived in the Philippines for the first-ever trilateral exercise to be held in Mariveles, Bataan this June, together with the Philippine Coast Guard.
The Japanese vessel, Akitsushima, arrived first at 9:00 in the morning, followed by the U.S. ship USCGC Stratton.
The Akitsushima measures 91.7 meters in length and was designed and constructed by the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal of Japan.
On the other hand, the USCGC Stratton is a third Legend-class United States Coast Guard Cutter, measuring 127 meters in length and capable of reaching speeds of 28 knots.
According to Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, the trilateral exercise will involve the participation of the BRP Melchora Aquino, BRP Gabriela Silang, and BRP Boracay, as well as 200 personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard.
Balilo clarified earlier that the activity is not a show of force and is unrelated to the tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, maritime cooperation, and understanding among the Philippines, the United States, and Japan.
Through communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue operations, and passing exercises, the participants aim to strengthen their coordination and cooperation in maritime operations.
