Philippine, U.S. Forces Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10) sails alongside Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) from the Philippine Coast Guard and Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG 06) from the Philippine Navy during a Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, Oct. 14, 2026. The U.S Navy routinely operates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and partners and allies through MCAs to continually develop, exercise and enhance multi-domain tactical interoperability to uphold peace and security in the region. (Courtesy photo)

Philippine, US forces conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

This exercise expanded capabilities by incorporating and refining shared specialized procedures and maritime doctrines. The exercise focused on tactical interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and included a group sail to build at-sea proficiency. This iteration complements the work developed and refined in previous MCAs.

MCAs are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.

Participating units included: one AW159 Wildcat helicopter and one C208 Caravan from the Philippine Air Force; Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) from the Philippine Coast Guard; Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG 06) from the Philippine Navy; and Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10) from the U.S. Navy.

The United States, along with its allies and partners, upholds the right to 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.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.