The Philippine and United States Coast Guard joined the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) of the Filipino and American forces for the first time.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said the 6th MCA of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) in the strategic waters of Palawan and Occidental Mindoro on Thursday was also participated by two PCG vessels and one US Coast Guard ship.

"Marking a milestone in maritime collaboration, this was the first time the US Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard jointly participated in an MCA, highlighting a growing whole-of-nation approach to maritime cooperation," he said.

Trinidad said the participating Philippine Navy assets include, "BRP Ramon Alcaraz, BRP Domingo Deluana, an AW109 naval helicopter, the Philippine Air Force’s Super Tucano and Sokol helicopters while the Philippine Coast Guard deployed two of its multi-role response vessels from Japan, BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua.

"Meanwhile, US participation featured the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, enhancing the combined forces’ capabilities in surveillance and operational coordination," he added.

Capt. Brian Krautler, Stratton’s commanding officer, stressed the significant presence of the US Coast Guard in the Indo-Pacific region.

“On our Western Pacific deployments, we frequently engage with partner nations through professional exchanges and capacity building, as shown with this operation. This is an opportunity to reinforce vital links with our counterparts who mutually value the preservation of a free, secure and open maritime environment," he said.

According to the United States 7th Fleet the "MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety and navigational rights and freedoms of all nations."

“Maritime Cooperative Activities help us continue to build strong military-to-military ties with our Philippine navy allies,” said Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, commander, US 7th Fleet.

“With each iteration, these operations further advance our collective efforts to preserve regional stability in this critical part of the world,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS