11 naval vessels from 8 countries sail together in West PH Sea

ABOARD THE BRP JOSE RIZAL, West Philippine Sea, September 24 ------ Eleven naval vessels from eight countries sailed together in the West Philippine Sea as part of the Sea Phase of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (EWG-MS) Joint Cooperative Activity.

The ADMM-Plus serves as a key regional platform where defense ministers discuss a wide range of security concerns. For the ADMM-Plus EWG-MS, this year’s activity focuses on strengthening maritime security and environmental resilience amid climate change. The participating vessels included the Philippine Navy’s frigate BRP Jose Rizal and landing dock BRP Tarlac; a US littoral combat ship; an Australian frigate; a Japanese helicopter destroyer; a New Zealand frigate and sustainment ship; an Indian frigate and corvette; a Singaporean littoral ship; and a Brunei patrol ship.

The BRP Jose Rizal served as the lead ship for the division tactics, which involved different ship formations. It also took part in a medical evacuation exercise, with the Philippine Navy’s AW-159 helicopter transporting a simulated casualty from Japan’s JS Ise to the Philippine warship for medical treatment.

Japanese forces, meanwhile, led search and rescue (SAR) exercises, while the BRP Tarlac conducted drills simulating assistance to a grounded oil tanker and cross-deck landing operations. China did not participate in the Sea Phase. However, at least one People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warship was monitored near the area where the participating vessels were operating.

The BRP Jose Rizal issued radio challenges to the Chinese vessel but received no response. The Philippines and Japan are co-chairing the maritime security activity, which runs from September 20 to 26 and involves personnel, naval vessels, aircraft, and other assets from ADMM-Plus countries. The exercise is intended to familiarize participating forces with procedures and strengthen networking, trust and cooperation among their respective defense establishments and navies.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com