Armed Forces of the Philippines press release
As a testament to a robust maritime cooperation, the Philippines and United States are currently conducting a bilateral sail in the Philippine waters located west of Palawan.
The activity is done under the Mutual Defense Board – Security Engagement Board framework that aims to develop operational interoperability between the navies of the two countries.
Using the Philippine Navy’s guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and the US Navy Alrleigh Burke-class guided missile-destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), the AFP’s Naval Task Force 41 and the US 7th fleet will carry out a Division Tactics rehearsal, enhancing interoperability between the two navies. In particular, this event aims to provide an opportunity for the Philippine Navy and the US Indo-Pacific Navy to test and refine existing maritime doctrine and demonstrate their defense capabilities in line with the shared commitment of upholding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The AFP shall continue to be involved in bilateral and multilateral activities that will contribute to the AFP’s capability development to perform its mission of protecting the country’s national sovereignty and national territory.
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Update: The US Navy issued the following press release:
U.S., Philippine Navies conduct bilateral sail to enhance interoperability
By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
SOUTH CHINA SEA – U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile-destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) and Philippine Navy guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) conducted a bilateral sail in the South China Sea Sept. 4, to enhance the interoperability between the two navies.
During the sail, the ships completed division tactics (DIVTACS), which is at-sea training designed for ship handlers to practice maneuvering within close proximity to other vessels and improve the confidence of the bridge teams to manage more challenging sailing conditions.
“This was a great opportunity to continue improving our ability to operate alongside our allies from the Philippines,” said USS Ralph Johnson Officer Of The Deck (OOD) Lt.j.g. Vince Smetona, from San Clemente, California. “The relationship between our navies has been incredibly strong for a long time, and evolutions like this allow us to keep strengthening those bonds at a ship-level.”
U.S. 7th Fleet routinely sails with allies and partners to build interoperability and address shared maritime security challenges.
“U.S. 7th Fleet will continue to find opportunities to sail alongside our allies and partners and reinforce the importance of professional maritime operations at sea anywhere international law allows. Our U.S.-Philippines alliance remains vital to Indo-Pacific security and stability in the region,” said Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
