The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command carried out the sixth bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in strategic waters off Palawan and Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday, May 20.
For the activity, the Philippine Navy deployed the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Domingo Deluana, while the Philippine Air Force sent an AW109 naval helicopter, Super Tucano and Sokol helicopters. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also joined with BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua, according to the AFP.
On America’s end, the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft enhanced the joint force’s surveillance and operational coordination.
“Marking a milestone in maritime collaboration, this was the first time the US Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard jointly participated in an MCA, highlighting a growing whole-of-nation approach to maritime cooperation,” said the AFP in a statement issued Wednesday.
The activity included a Communications Check Exercise, Search and Rescue Exercise, Division Tactics and Office of the Watch Maneuver, Photo Exercise, and Finish Exercise.
