PALAWAN, Philippines -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) successfully conducted the Third Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last February 9.

This latest bilateral activity underscores both nations' firm commitment to reinforcing security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. The said activity also demonstrates the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States.

The MCA, which has become a routine activity, is part of a series of operations designed to foster enhanced interoperability between the two allied forces, with a concentrated focus on advancing maritime security and heightening maritime domain awareness.

Participating units included the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS 15) with an embarked AW109 Naval Helicopter and the US Navy’s USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) with an MH-60S Seahawk Helicopter onboard.

During the MCA, a series of exercises were conducted, including a passing exercise (PASSEX), communication exercise (COMMEX), photo exercise (PHOTOEX), division tactics (DIVTACS), and officer of the watch (OOW) maneuvers. These exercises were designed to improve the coordination and cooperation between the two forces in various maritime scenarios.

The commander of the AFP Western Command (WESCOM), Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos was pleased to note the successful completion of the latest MCA saying, "These cooperative ventures serve not just as training for our forces at sea but as a clear signal of our shared resolve to maintain regional peace and security”.

The success of the Third AFP-USINDOPACOM Maritime Cooperative Activity is a testament to the commitment of the two countries in addressing shared security challenges and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (WESCOM)