The Daily Tribune
AFP, U.S. forces cap WPS drills
Naval and air units from the Philippines and the United States conducted this year's first Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) at the West Philippine Sea (WPS) over the weekend.
The joint activity, held in the Palawan area of the WPS, took place on January 17 and 18.
Philippine assets involved included the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), two FA-50 fighter aircraft, and Philippine Air Force search-and-rescue assets.
US participants were the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) carrier strike group, accompanied by the USS Princeton (CG-59), USS Sterett (DDG-104), an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter, a V-22 Osprey, and two F-18 Hornet jet fighters.
Key exercises conducted included a Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuvers, a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), and Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training (DACT).
This marks the fifth MCA between the AFP and US military units since the drills began in November 2023.
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted joint maritime drills near Palawan from January 17 to 18, marking the first such exercise in 2025.
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Navy recently concluded their fifth maritime cooperative activity in the South China Sea for the year, held from January 17 to 18.
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