Philippines, Japan, US conclude West Philippine Sea drills
Naval forces from the Philippines, Japan, and the United States have concluded a multilateral maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea. The drills focused on improving maritime security, logistics, and emergency response coordination among the three nations.
Why it matters
These exercises are significant in the context of regional maritime security and the strengthening of defense alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
MANILA, Philippines - Naval forces of the Philippines, Japan and the United States concluded on Saturday a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea aimed at strengthening logistics, maritime security, and emergency-response coordination.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) participated in the 22nd Philippines-Japan-United States MCA from Oct. 19 to 24, where they conducted communications exercise, division tactics, photo exercise, deck landing qualification and vertical replenishment, maritime domain awareness and search and rescue serials.
The AFP participated with BRP Miguel Malvar, an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft and a SAR aircraft, while the Philippine Coast Guard fielded BRP Gabriela Silang.
The USPACOM mobilized USCGC Bertholf and an MH-65 helicopter, while the JMSDF deployed JS Kirisame and an SH-60K helicopter.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in