Japan, Philippine and U.S. forces conduct Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in South China Sea

As the second MMCA of 2026, following a similar activity with Australia, the Philippines, and the U.S., this event continues to build upon previous exercises and ongoing operations. These efforts strengthen the interoperability of our armed forces and their respective military doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. This MCA focused on key maritime skills, including replenishment-at-sea, deck landing qualifications, and communication drills. In addition to the maritime exercises, U.S. and Philippine forces conducted subject matter expert exchanges ashore in Subic, covering visual information, air, and seamanship training to hone their capabilities.

"This Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Philippine Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is a testament to the strength and resilience of our bond," said U.S. Navy Capt. Dave Huljack, Commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. "For decades, our nations have stood shoulder-to-shoulder, and through activities like these, we continue to build upon that legacy, ensuring we are ready to face any challenge to regional security together. The professionalism and dedication of our Sailors is a direct reflection of that friendship and our shared commitment to a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific."

Maritime Cooperative Activities are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.

"Participating units included Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force P-3C assigned to Fleet Air Wing 5, Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151, Philippine Coast Guard BRP Gabriela Silang (OBV 8301), Armed Forces of the Philippine aircraft including an AW 159 Wildcat helicopter, FA-50 fighter jets, C-208B utility aircraft, A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft, a Sokol Search and Rescue helicopter, U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), and a P-8A Poseidon assigned to Patrol Squadrons (VP) 04."

The U.S., along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, and respect for all nations' maritime rights under international law.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.