PH, US hold joint bilateral maritime drills in West PH Sea

MANILA, December 12 ------ The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command held their 9th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea on December 9 and 10.

The two sides demonstrated operational competence and highlighted their shared commitment to safeguarding regional stability, the Philippine military said in a statement. The AFP said the MCA "reaffirms the enduring defense partnership between the Philippines and the United States."

In the latest round of maritime drills, military personnel from both forces were given the chance to enhance interoperability and cooperation. The AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), three FA-50 fighter jets, three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, one PAF Black Hawk, and one Sokol helicopter during the drill. "These assets demonstrated the Philippines’ expanding operational readiness and its growing ability to integrate with allied forces in complex maritime scenarios," the AFP said.

The US military meanwhile used the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The 9th bilateral MCA also included activities like Division Tactics (DIVTACS), complex ship maneuvering exercises, Night Steaming in Company (NSIC), fly by or low pass of aircrafts, "intercept and escort" exercise of US P-8A by the PAF's FA50. "These activities sharpened coordination," the AFP said.

The AFP added that the bilateral MCA between the Philippines and U.S. represent the strong and growing alliance between the two nations. "It reinforces shared commitments to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and a peaceful, stable Indo-Pacific region where the rights of all nations—big or small—are upheld," AFP stressed.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com