The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its strike group to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to participate in the first Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) of 2025 with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the AFP confirmed on Sunday.
The MCA, conducted in the Palawan area from January 17 to 18, involved joint exercises aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two nations.
Combined Forces and Exercises
The Philippine contingent included the guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), the offshore patrol vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), two FA-50 fighter jets, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.
Supporting the effort was the U.S. carrier strike group led by the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), accompanied by the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59), the destroyer USS Sterett (DDG-104), an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter, a V-22 Osprey, and two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter bombers.
On January 17, joint exercises included a Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuvers, and a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX). The following day, both forces engaged in Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training (DACT).
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
This marked the fifth iteration of the MCA between the U.S. and the Philippines. AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. highlighted its importance:
“This MCA is a crucial element of our continued efforts to strengthen defense cooperation. With each exercise, we become increasingly prepared and effective in addressing the challenges ahead. This is a result of our shared commitment and mutual effort to safeguard our national interests and secure a peaceful region.”
Rising Tensions in the West Philippine Sea
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported issuing a radio challenge on January 18 against the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, also known as the “monster ship,” for operating unlawfully off the Zambales coastline.
This incident follows an agreement between the Philippines and China on January 16 to indefinitely implement an arrangement for resupply missions and daily necessities at Ayungin Shoal, a flashpoint in the West Philippine Sea disputes.
The MCA underscores the Philippines’ growing collaboration with allies amid persistent maritime security challenges in its territorial waters.