Philippines, US conduct coordinated patrol in Sulu Sea
July 1, 2017 | 4:45am
Sailors operate a twin-boom extensible crane during boat operations aboard littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) during boat operations while the Philippine Navy ship Ramon Alcaraz steams astern. The U.S. and Philippine navies are conducting a coordinated counter-piracy patrol to protect maritime commerce and enhance maritime security in the region by enhancing both navies’ ability to respond to transnational criminal and terror activity. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven Leigh Ellis/Released
MANILA, Philippines — The United States on Saturday said that an American ship conducted a coordinated patrol with longtime ally the Philippines in Sulu Sea.
The exercise, completed at the invitation of the Philippine government, aimed to boost maritime security.
Crew members from the Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the Philippines' Del Pilar Class Frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16) participated in the activity.
“These patrols enhance regional peace and stability,” said Rear Adm Don Gabrielson, commander of Task Force 73.
“Our at-sea operations with the Philippine Navy demonstrate our commitment to the alliance and deter piracy and illegal activities,” he added.
During the operation, sailors of Philippine Navy went aboard USS Coronado to coordinate communications and movements between the two ships.
"The Philippine sailors also exchanged best practices with their U.S. counterparts in visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) techniques and information sharing," the statement read.
The patrol, according to the US embassy, strengthened maritime security cooperation between the two countries and enhanced "both navies’ ability to respond to piracy and transnational criminal activity at sea."
"It further demonstrates U.S. commitment to the security of the Philippines and enduring U.S. interest in promoting stability and prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," the embassy added.
Prior to the coordinated patrol, the USS Coronado completed the Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama with the Philippine Navy in Cebu. The said exercise provided opportunities to hone tactical skills in maritime security operations.
Last month, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia kicked off joint maritime patrols to combat terrorism and other transnational crimes as the Marawi siege continues.
Despite the scathing attacks of President Rodrigo Duterte against the US, the superpower continues to provide support for the Philippines' counterterrorism efforts.
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