US Coast Guard completes training with Philippine shipping agencies

ALAMEDA, Calif .– U.S. Coast Guard Munro (WMSL 755) arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, August 31 following operations and exercises in the western Philippine Sea with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Pacific Zone Coast Guard said in a Sept. 1 statement.

Munro’s crew participated in bilateral operations, professional exchanges, search and rescue and communications exercises, small boat operations, multi-vessel maneuvers and domain awareness exercises. maritime at sea.

“As the maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region become increasingly complex, partnership with our Philippine Coast Guard and Fisheries counterparts is essential to our common interest in a free and open maritime environment.” said Munro’s commanding officer, Captain Blake Novak. “We have truly appreciated the professionalism and hospitality of our Filipino hosts, and look forward to future bilateral operations to strengthen our long-standing relationship. ”

The search and rescue exercise simulated the agencies’ bilateral response to a vessel in distress. During the exercise, the Munro, PCG and BFAR trained to search for the vessel in distress, use firefighting techniques on board the vessel, and recover and treat people in the water. . As part of the exercise, PCG members joined USCG members aboard Munro as they launched the Cutter’s small unmanned aircraft system to aid in the search and rescue response. The day’s drills and operations allowed each agency involved to learn from each other.

“The success of the joint maritime exercise between the PCG and the USCG will not only strengthen international partnerships for an immediate response to calamities and disasters, but will also ensure that our personnel can effectively carry out their duties in combating terrorism and other acts of lawlessness in our country. waters, ”said Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr., commander of the PCG.

The USCG has a long history of cooperation with the PCG. In 2019, Coast Guard Bertolf led engagements with the PCG as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific, focusing on search and rescue, maritime safety and law enforcement capabilities.

Munro, a 418-foot national security cutter, left her home port of Alameda, Calif., In July for a multi-month deployment to the western Pacific. Operating under the tactical control of the U.S. 7th Fleet, the cutter and crew participate in professional exchanges and capacity building exercises with partner nations and patrol and conduct operations as directed. National security cutters like Munro have advanced command and control capabilities, aviation support facilities, rear cutter launch, and increased endurance for long-range patrols. , allowing crews to disrupt threats to national security further offshore.

“The Coast Guard shares deep and continuing interests with our allies and partners, who like us have long supported a rules-based international order,” said Vice Admiral Michael F. McAllister, Commander, US Coast Guard Pacific Area. “A partnership with the Philippines to improve maritime governance, including important missions such as search and rescue and the enforcement of fisheries laws and treaties, is essential for the security, stability and prosperity of all nations. ”

As a federal law enforcement agency and armed force, the USCG is uniquely positioned to conduct defense operations in support of combatant commanders on all seven continents. The service regularly provides forces in joint military operations around the world, including the deployment of cutters, boats, airplanes and deployable specialized forces.