Philippine Navy joining ASEAN-US maritime drill

September 3, 2019

The Philippine Navy is taking part on a joint maritime drills between the navies of the ASEAN ( Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the United States dubbed as ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise which opened in a ceremony in Thailand on Monday.

According to Lt. Ryan Luna, Naval Task Group 80.5 public affairs officer, the delegation from the Philippine Navy is headed by the Commander of Fleet-Marine Ready Force, Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr.

“The participating PN vessel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz carrying the components of Naval Task Group 80.5 is in the lead of the trilateral sail with ships from Royal Brunei Navy and Vietnam People’s Navy going to the designated exercise area,” Luna said.

“Exercise proper will be executed off the waters of Thailand Gulf where participating forces will operate under a combined task force structure, executing a variety of realistic scenario designed to reinforce interoperability in areas such as Visiting Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), maritime domain awareness, division tactics and maritime asset tracking,” he added.

Luna also emphasized that as “AUM promotes shared commitments to maritime partnerships, security and stability in Southeast Asia, it likewise enhances the ability and skills of PN sailors and marines and provide them with the latest training and techniques in defense operations.” Robina Asido/DMS