The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, June 4.
This iteration builds upon previous MCAs and our continuing operations together, which strengthen the interoperability of our defense/armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety and navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.
Participating units and assets included a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR), Navy Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction Systems (NMESIS), AFP’s guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), one Philippine Air Force W-3A Sokol helicopter, and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV 4409).
“Our Maritime Cooperative Activities continue to grow in complexity and we welcome the inclusion of the U.S. Marine Corps in this iteration. These MCAs enhance our capability to operate alongside our Philippine allies; advance our shared interests; and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.
This iteration of the MCA included communication checks, exercising maritime domain awareness, data sharing, and combined targeting exercises against simulated targets using NMESIS.
The NMESIS is a ground-based anti-ship missile capability that will improve interoperability and strengthen combined deterrence by providing coverage from coastal positions. The NMESIS provides the joint forces with a flexible and expedient sea denial capacity, which allows the U.S. military to respond effectively to emerging threats in the region.
“By bringing the NMESIS to the Philippines in support of this summer’s various bilateral training exercises, the U.S. Marines have taken a massive leap in integrating our operations with the combined and joint naval force,” said Col. John G. Lehane, commanding officer, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment. “Twice now, we have inserted the NMESIS via various transportation means onto key terrain within the Luzon Strait. Not only did these operations reinforce our commitment to regional security and stability, but they also served as a proof of concept for increasing joint and allied capabilities through the flexible response of precision fires in contested littorals.”
The U.S., along with our allies and partners, are advancing a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific where all countries are secure in their sovereignty and free from coercion.
3d MLR is a dedicated U.S. Marine Corps unit specializing in amphibious and littoral warfare operations. Stationed on Oahu, Hawaii, and deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, 3d MLR is committed to promoting regional security and stability through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts with partner nations and allies.
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.