Philippine Navy to Host Bilateral Naval Exercise with US Navy
The Philippine Navy (PN) is set to host a bilateral naval exercise with the United States Navy (USN) called “Exercise SAMASAMA” next month. The exercise, scheduled from October 2 to 13, aims to strengthen international defense cooperation and promote a rules-based international order. According to Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office, the activities are designed to enhance the PN’s naval warfare capabilities and maritime security operations.
Exercise SAMASAMA will cover various aspects of warfare, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and electronic warfare. The opening ceremony will take place on October 2 at the PN headquarters in Manila and will be attended by PN Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr.
The interoperability exercises between the Philippine Navy and the US Navy will focus on warfighting serials, with the goal of improving coordination and cooperation between the two forces. Additionally, subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) table-top events will be conducted to enhance the PN’s maritime integration and combined interoperability with partner-countries.
Contingents from Japan, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, and Indonesia will also join the SMEEs and table-top events. The French Navy (FN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will send personnel to participate in the SMEEs, while the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and the Indonesian Navy (IN) will send observers.
The Terms of Reference with the participating non-Status of Visiting Forces of Agreement (SOFA) partner-countries have already been approved and signed in accordance with Philippine laws, according to Ileto.
Exercise SAMASAMA signifies the commitment of the Philippine Navy to international defense collaboration and highlights the importance of maintaining and promoting a rules-based international order in the region. It also serves as an opportunity for the Philippine Navy to enhance its capabilities and further strengthen its role as a leading force in maritime security operations.
