Philippines, US hold maritime exercisesTwo Philippine Air Force aircraft fly above USS Blue Ridge during the Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity on Friday. MANILA, Philippines — Philippine and United States naval forces again teamed up and sailed the waters of Manila Bay and Mariveles, Bataan on Friday for the Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA). Two A-29B Super Tucano planes, a C-208B aircraft and a Sokol search and rescue aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) also joined the maritime exercises. Trinidad said the activity dubbed as Bilateral MCA 26-3.1, was aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating forces in support of maritime security and sustaining maritime response in Philippine Maritime Zones. During the activity, Trinidad said participating units carried out a series of exercises, including a communications check and a photo exercise.

Source: Philippine Star March 21, 2026 16:40 UTC