Philippines and U.S. Join Forces for Strategic Maritime Collaboration in the South China Sea

Military Cooperation Activities (MCAs) have underscored a pivotal alliance between the United States and the Philippines, centered around promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives highlight maritime collaboration between the two nations’ naval forces.

Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, leading Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1), emphasized the U.S.’s unwavering alliance with the Philippines. “Professional engagement with allies, partners, and friends in the region allows us to build upon our existing, strong relationships and continue to learn from each other,” he remarked. The collaboration between the U.S. and Filipino navies aims to ensure access to international waters and shared maritime objectives.

Each MCA iteration builds on previous efforts, enhancing complexity and the ability to operate jointly. This progression is crucial for strategy development, allowing for improved combined tactics and procedures. “Bilateral exercises in the region have grown in scale, scope and complexity, and we are proud to participate in combined operations that maintain stability in the region and reinforce deterrence,” noted Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of the USS Carl Vinson.

The exercises are conducted under international law, ensuring navigational safety and respecting the rights of other nations. Key participants include units from the U.S. Navy’s Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Task Force 72’s P-8A aircraft, as well as Philippine Navy vessels.

Carrier Strike Group 1 is backed by several ships, including the USS Princeton and guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS William P. Lawrence. Additionally, Carrier Air Wing 2 comprises diverse squadrons operating various aircraft models, such as the F-35C Lightning II and MH-60R/S Seahawks.

Currently, the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is engaged in operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet’s jurisdiction. This fleet represents the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed unit, consistently working alongside allies to uphold maritime freedom in the Indo-Pacific.