Philippine and US forces hold joint maritime exercise

Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. forces concluded a Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone on June 14-19, 2026, operating in the South China Sea to underscore regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

As the seventh such activity this year, the iteration drew participation from the U.S. Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Marine Corps, and centered on littoral maneuver and amphibious assault subject-matter exchanges and training. Units also conducted visit, board, search and seizure drills; maritime interdiction operations; search and rescue; and maritime law enforcement training. The at-sea engagements aimed to expand interoperability across doctrines, tactics, techniques and procedures between the two militaries.

“We always look forward to meaningful engagements with our allies and partners to demonstrate our commitment to the region,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Ethan Goldcamp, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145). “The crew of Emlen Tunnell takes pride in upholding the Coast Guard’s core belief of maritime governance and demonstrating professionalism to reinforce the rule of law at sea, so collaborating with our allies and partners to do that is even more rewarding for us.”

Organizers said the activities were conducted consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights and freedoms of all nations. They also affirmed support for freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, noting that the U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates with allies and partners to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the Charles Moulthrope team during this MCA,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Patrick Dixon, commanding officer of Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141). “This is our first time operating with our Filipino partners, and we were able to seamlessly integrate and demonstrate our interoperability. These professional exchanges strengthen our mutual capacity and create opportunities to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Participating Philippine units included two Air Force FA-50 fighter jets; Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessels BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV 4407); and the Philippine Navy’s Jose Miguel Malvar-class frigate Diego Silang (FFG 7) and one AW159 helicopter. U.S. units included Coast Guard fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145); the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment; and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.