Ships from the Philippines, the United States, and Japan conclude their 22nd Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Oct. 24, following six days of joint maritime exercises. The activity, held from Oct. 19 to 24, involved Philippine, Japanese and American naval and coast guard assets. (Courtesy: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) concluded their 22nd Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Oct. 24, following six days of joint maritime exercises.
The activity, held from Oct. 19 to 24, involved Philippine, Japanese and American naval and coast guard assets, the AFP said in a statement.
The AFP deployed BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6), an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft and a search-and-rescue aircraft. The Philippine Coast Guard also fielded BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301).
The US deployed USCGC Bertholf and an MH-65 helicopter, while Japan sent JS Kirisame and an SH-60K helicopter.
Participating forces conducted communications exercises, division tactics, photo exercises, deck landing qualification and vertical replenishment drills, maritime domain awareness activities, and search-and-rescue exercises.
According to the AFP, the activities aimed to strengthen coordination in logistics, maritime security and emergency response.
“The successful conduct of the 22nd MMCA reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Japan and the United States and promoting a free, open, and rules-based maritime environment,” the AFP said.