NAKATAKDANG sumabak ang Philippine Coast Guard sa gaganaping second trilateral coast guard exercise kasama ng United States at Japan.

Ang unang trilateral maritime exercise ay ginanap sa dalampasigan ng Mariveles, Bataan, noong Hunyo 2023.

Una rito, nakipagsabayan sa maritime exercises ang PCG sa bumisitang U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Stratton na nagsagawa ng port visit sa Puerto Princesa City.

Sa pagbisita ng USCGC Stratton, nagpartisipa ang kanilang crews sa series of engagements kasama ang Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) na layuning palakasin ang kanilang bilateral partnership at isulong ang kanilang interoperability.

Kabilang sa mga aktibidad ang technical consultations sa operational best practices, engagements with the local community, at sports competitions.

Kaugnay sa nasabing pagbisita, nagsilbing host kina U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, at iba pang PCG personnel, si Captain Brian Krautler, commanding officer ng USCGC Stratton.

“The arrival of the USCGC Stratton is a moment of pride and possibility,” ayon kay Ambassador Carlson. “This is the sixth USCG cutter exchange with the PCG since 2019—a testament to the strength of our bond and the enduring value of our Alliance,” dagdag pa ni Amb. Carlson

“These engagements are a priority as they enhance our interoperability and deepen the trust that defines our maritime partnership.”

Nabatid na bago naglayag ang USCGC Stratton mula sa Guam ay nagsama sila ng dalawang PCG officers bilang bahagi ng United States’ efforts na pagkalooban sila ng training opportunities habang nasa dagat gaya ng deck operations, engineering drills, at vessel mooring.

Nagsagawa rin sila ng at-sea exercise kasama ang PCG at Philippine Navy hinggil sa maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, at marine environmental protection sa Sulu Sea.

Ang USCGC Stratton ay isang 418-foot cutter na kumikilos sa ilalim ng U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, kasama ang regional allies and partners.

(JESSE KABEL RUIZ)