CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---The first-ever trilateral maritime exercise of the Philippines, Japan and the United States navies started Thursday off the waters of Mariveles in Bataan province.
The trilateral drills from June 1 to 7 is aimed to enhance interoperability between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG).
The military exercises is also expected to level up cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Participating PCG vessels are the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401), and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV).
The JCG deployed the Akitsushima (PLH-32)and the USCG the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752).
The Japanese Embassy in Manila said on Thursday that activities include communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue, and passing exercises, among others.
The military exercises was set after the assistance extended by the JCG and USCG’s in the Mindoro’s oil spill clean up and the Multinational Vessel Boarding Officer Course by the Mobile Cooperation Team of the JCG and USCG in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from May 14 to 27.
The recent Balikatan 2023 exercise was conducted in April and the Cope Thunder drills of Philippine and US air forces in Clark Air Base last month.