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The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a two-day Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippine exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea on June 27-28, marking the eighth iteration of the series this year and signaling efforts to deepen regional cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The event focused on expanding at-sea capabilities by integrating shared Coast Guard law enforcement tactics, specialized procedures, and maritime doctrines. Interoperability drills included a search and rescue exercise, a maritime domain awareness activity, and division tactics.
“We always appreciate opportunities to learn from our partners,” said Lt. Ethan Goldcamp, commanding officer of Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145). “There’s exponentially more knowledge and expertise to gain when we work together, and each of these areas build upon our interoperability.”
Participants said the activity adhered to international law and was conducted with due regard for safety and the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.
Participating units were the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Capones (MRRV 4404); the Philippine Navy’s Jose Rizal-class frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG 15); and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145).
U.S. officials said they, along with allies and partners, uphold the rights of 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. The U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, regularly operates with allies and partners in efforts to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
