United States Coast Guard Joined the Philippines in Patrolling the West Philippine Sea

The Coast Guards from the Philippines and the United States, made an historic joint maritime patrol in the contested waters of West Philippine Sea. As one of China’s monster ships reportedly intruded into Philippines Exclusive Economic zone. US Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751), and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), held a bilateral search and rescue exercise in the South China Sea on July 17.
These serve as a response and to closely monitor a China Coast Guard vessel, that came close to Lubang Island over the past few days. The two-coast guard maritime patrol also successfully concluded a Joint Passing Exercise. The Exercise focused on simulating various scenarios, including Search and Rescue, firefighting, communication exercises, and medical evacuation. Additional activities included personnel transfer and a joint sail.
To further strengthen the bilateral maritime co-operability of the Philippine and United States, the Philippine Navy is also studying the possibility of conducting a rotation, and reprovision mission to Second Thomas Shoal. As part of a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity, with allied countries in the South China Sea.
In such scenario, a resupply mission could be part of a multilateral exercise involving several nations. In which vessels and aircraft from partnered countries such as the US, Japan, UK and Australia could conduct simultaneous patrols with Philippine forces in the South China Sea, while Manila is conducting a resupply mission.
All options are being discussed on the planning table. Once finalized, this will be submitted for approval, said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. The US Embassy assured that they will coordinate with the country on a wide array of issues of shared concern as allies of the Philippines.
The United States has expressed its commitment to help the Philippines in what it needs, particularly to ensure successful rotation and reprovision missions to Filipino troops on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. Kanishka Gangopadhyay, spokesman for the US Embassy in Manila, said that as allies, the United States and the Philippines coordinate on a wide array of issues of shared concern.
This pronouncement, came as the Philippine Navy said, it is eyeing to use of an American unmanned aircraft system, to carry out resupply missions on the Second Thomas Shoal, and avoid getting harassed by Chinese maritime forces. In a press conference, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed that US Marines tested their Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System during two recent military exercises earlier this year.
The Philippines is considering all types of options, Trinidad said when asked if the Philippine navy is eyeing to acquire the same US drone system for the resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.
According to the US Marine Corps, their 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, employed a Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System in Palawan during the Balikatan Exercise in April, and during the Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum in May. The Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System, according to the US Marine Corps, is a Class 3 unmanned aerial system which can deliver critical supplies to remote and inaccessible areas with unprecedented speed and precision.
On July 16, Coast Guard from the United States and Philippines successfully concluded a Joint Passing Exercise Near Lubang Island. The exercise involved the PCG's BRP Melchora Aquino and the USCG Cutter Waesche. Sharing similar mandates, values, and objectives of protecting lives at sea, and maintaining a rules-based maritime order.
This exercise highlights the closer and expanding relations between the Coast Guards of the two allied nations. The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability, between the two Coast Guard services, in the areas of maritime safety and environmental protection.
The Passing Exercise focused on simulating various scenarios, including Search and Rescue, firefighting, communication exercises, and medical evacuation. By sharing best practices, concepts, doctrines, and standard operating procedures, the PCG and USCG enhance their respective capabilities to respond to maritime emergencies and contingencies.
The joint exercise underscores the commitment of both Coast Guards, to their vital role in safeguarding lives at sea, promoting maritime security, and protecting the marine environment. The PCG, alongside its partners and allies in the USCG, will continue to expand their collaboration and jointly strengthen their capabilities to effectively respond to maritime contingencies and promote a safe, secure and peaceful rules-based maritime order.


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