The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted maritime tactical exercises as part of the three-day maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on November 23.

Two vessels of the Philippine Navy namely BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar performed cross deck operations, officer of the watch maneuvers, and publication and communication exercises with the USS Gabrielle Giffords.

The MCA is an approved activity of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board and within the framework of the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty. It was aimed at testing protocols and further enhancing interoperability between the AFP and USINDOPACOM.

📷 AFP Western Command