Naval and air units from the Philippines, United States, and Australia successfully conducted on Aug. 19 to 25, the 19th multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea.
“A one-week activity successfully enhanced maritime interoperability and operational coordination among the participating forces through a series of complex maritime and air operations designed to strengthen their capability to operate seamlessly together in support for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Wednesday.
Participating units came from the AFP, United States Pacific Command, and the Australian Defense Force.
For this exercise, the Philippines deployed the guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), an AW-109 naval helicopter, FA-50 fighter aircraft, a C-208B surveillance plane, and W-3A Sokol search-and-rescue helicopter along with the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701).
Meanwhile, the United States deployed the USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, while Australia sent the HMAS Supply (A-195), along with MH-60R helicopter and another P-8A.
“Throughout the activity, participating forces successfully conducted advanced maritime interoperability exercises, including communications exercises, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, replenishment at sea, division tactics /officer of the watch maneuvers, photo exercise and fly-by operations,” the AFP news release said.
The AFP said successful completion of the 19th MMCA highlighted the enduring commitment of the Philippines, the United States, and Australia to strengthen defense cooperation, enhance interoperability, and promote peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The first MMCA took place on April 7, 2024, in the WPS. (PNA)