Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, and U.S. Join Forces in Major Multilateral Maritime Operation

The Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal New Zealand Navy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the United States Navy conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea on September 28.

These MCAs are pivotal in showcasing the robust relationships among these nations. They enhance mutual cooperation, interoperability, and combined maritime capabilities. This unity contributes to regional peace, stability, and the freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific.

This session involved training on routine multilateral surface operations, deck landings, hoisting, and search and rescue maneuvers. Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, emphasized the importance of these activities, stating, “Maritime cooperative activities accelerate our already strong allied and partner combat readiness and interoperability.” He further highlighted the opportunity the MCA provided for the U.S. to operate alongside naval and air assets from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Philippines, reinforcing their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The participating assets included the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Sydney (D 48), a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Sazanami (DD 113), Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11), Armed Forces of the Philippines’ BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151) and BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS 35), and the United States Navy’s USS Howard (DDG 83).

The U.S. Navy’s regular operations with Indo-Pacific allies demonstrate a shared commitment to the rules-based international order. These multilateral MCAs offer valuable chances to train, exercise, and improve tactical interoperability.

Such cooperation is fundamental to ensuring a secure and prosperous region. It allows aircraft and ships of all nations to fly, sail, and operate within the bounds of international law. The U.S. 7th Fleet, being the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, continues to collaborate with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.