The Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Navy conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, Oct. 14, 2026. This activity continues to showcase our demonstrated, collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
This exercise expanded capabilities by incorporating and refining shared specialized procedures and maritime doctrines. The exercise focused on tactical interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and included a group sail to build at-sea proficiency. This iteration complements the work developed and refined in previous MCAs.
MCAs are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.
Participating units included: one AW159 Wildcat helicopter and one C208 Caravan from the Philippine Air Force; Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) from the Philippine Coast Guard; Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG 06) from the Philippine Navy; Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10) from the U.S. Navy.
The United States, along with its allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law.