PH, US hold 11th bilateral maritime drill in WPS

January 27 ------ The naval forces of the Philippines and the United States held their 11th bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea from January 25 to 26, which seeks to boost the interoperability of the two countries in maritime patrolling. 

According to EJ Gomez’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday, the Philippine Navy sent one of its newest warships, the guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) as well as the Philippine Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301). 

The US Navy deployed the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG-113) during the joint naval exercise. While the two forces were conducting drills, the Xianning, a frigate of the China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy was spotted nearby. “Lumayo rin siya nang lumayo at hindi rin naman siya naka-distract, hindi sila naging obstruction sa daanan ng exercise. Wala namang radio challengers,” said the Luna’s commanding officer, Captain Jennifer Monforte PN (GSC). 

Among the drills in the bilateral MCA was the deck landing qualification, wherein a Philippine Navy AW109 helicopter had to land on the Luna while underway. Lessons from the exercise could be used during search and rescue, supply missions, and medical evacuations. 

Source: gmanetwork.com