SEAToday.com, Manila-On February 9, the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the A-F-P, together with its US counterparts conducted the third joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea. These maritime exercises involved the Philippine Navy’s B-R-P Gregorio del Pilar and a-w-1-0-9 helicopter as well as the US Naval Indo-Pacific Command’s U-S-S Gabrielle Giffords and M-H-60-S Seahawk helicopter.

All of these fleets were involved in advanced planning and maritime communication operations within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the South China Sea. A-F-P states that these exercises have become a routine activity for both the Philippine and the US military, to constantly enhance interoperability through the conduct of maritime security and maritime domain awareness operations.

A-F-P Chief, Romeo Brawner added that these exercises further enhance their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and also further enhance their maritime capabilities by fostering close cooperation.

As tensions are rising following disputed territorial claims between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, the Philippines, and the US conducted a series of joint maritime exercises. The first one was held in November 2023, and the second in January 2024. (AKBAR/ALVIN)