PH, US hold naval exercise in WPS
PHILIPPINE and United States naval ships held another “maritime cooperative activity” (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Wednesday afternoon.
“These joint exercises with our ally are crucial in enhancing our naval capabilities and ensuring that we can effectively collaborate to safeguard our maritime interests. The partnership between the PN and the USN continues to be a pillar of regional stability,” Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement late Wednesday.
Brawner added the “successful execution” of these maritime exercises underscores the strong defense ties between the Philippines and the United States and their shared commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Participating ships include the Philippine Navy (PN)’s offshore patrol vessel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and US Navy (USN)’s littoral combat ship, the USS Mobile (LCS-26).
The activity was held inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone, in the waters west of Palawan.
No exact time frame was given on how long the MCA will last.
The MCA consists of a series of exercises aimed at enhancing communication and operational coordination between the two navies.
“The primary objective of this activity is to strengthen the interoperability and cooperative capabilities of the PN and the USN,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said. Philippine News Agency
