Participants from the Philippine and U.S. naval forces engaged in a series of advanced maritime drills as part of the SAMASAMA exercises.
According to Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, the sea drills concentrated on anti-submarine warfare and joint patrol operations.
“The exercise highlights both nations’ commitment to enhancing interoperability and collective defense capabilities in maritime security,” Trinidad stated.
The day’s activities included the Combined Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX), during which both forces participated in Torpedo Exercises utilizing the Expandable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target (EMATTEX).
This exercise provided both navies with an opportunity to refine their anti-submarine warfare techniques in a realistic and controlled environment.
In addition to CASEX, the Joint and Combined Patrol (Night Steaming in Company) was conducted, simulating real-world scenarios of patrolling contested waters.
This drill aimed to improve coordination among participating units in a nighttime operational setting, enhancing response capabilities in crisis situations.
Alongside these key exercises, the naval forces executed Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX) and Shipboard Casualty Care drills, further demonstrating their readiness to tackle both traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges.
Trinidad also noted that the involvement of the Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and other allied navies in subsequent exercises further strengthens this commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
SAMASAMA 2024, now in its seventh iteration, symbolizes the ongoing evolution of bilateral maritime exercises, fostering stronger relationships among participating forces and enhancing overall regional security capabilities.
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