PH Navy conducts maritime drills with US, Canada, Japan, France

October 16 ------ The Philippine Navy Western Naval Command and its navy counterparts from the United States, Canada, Japan, and France conducted a series of fleet maneuvers and live-fire exercises in waters off Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

Under Naval Task Group 44.1, the USS Cincinnati, HMCS Max Bernays, BRP Antonio Luna, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, BRP Valentin Diaz, BRP Lolinato To-Ong, and USS Sprua engaged in live-fire gunnery exercises. “Exercise SAMASAMA 2025 continues to reinforce the shared commitment of partner navies in promoting regional stability, maritime cooperation, and a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said Captain Ellaine Collado, chief of the Western Naval Command Public Affairs Office.

Aerial support from NV314, US-8, and Falcon 50 improved situational awareness and maritime surveillance during the exercise and helped maintain smooth command and control operations. The fleet also conducted division of tactical maneuvers and Photo Exercise 2, which focused on unified tactical formations and disciplined seamanship among multinational forces.

In the next 24 hours, the participating units will engage in a Surface Action Group versus Surface Action Group serial, a simulated naval engagement to test coordination, maneuver warfare, and strategic decision-making in real-time maritime scenarios. They will also hold steaming-in-company operations en route to the Final Exercise Box, culminating the high-end combined naval operations at sea.

Source: gmanetwork.com