The combined defence and armed forces of Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, demonstrated “a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific”, by conducting a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone on 5 February.
It built upon previous MCAs with the US Navy stating it strengthened “the interoperability of our defence/armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures”.
The Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Romeo Brawner Jr said the successful conduct of the sixth MMCA highlighted the country’s strong defense ties with Australia, Japan, and the United States. “This activity demonstrates the strong cooperation and interoperability among our nations’ armed forces. Conducted in accordance with international law, the MMCA ensures safe navigation while respecting the rights and interests of all states,” he said in a statement.
Participating units included the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 47; RAN’s Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart and her MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter; the Philippine Navy’s Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal; and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s Akizuki-class destroyer JS Akizuki and her SH-60K helicopter.
Sources: USN & PNA
