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U.S., Philippines conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

17 July 2025

From Commander, Task Force 71 / Destroyer Squadron 15

SOUTH CHINA SEA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the U.S. Navy, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, July 16.
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From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
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Photo By: Courtesy Photo
VIRIN: 250716-N-QV397-3007

This iteration builds upon previous MCAs and continued operations together, strengthening the interoperability of our defense/armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures.

MCAs are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.

Participating units included the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406).

"Every iteration of our Maritime Cooperative Activities further enhances the interoperability between the U.S. Navy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard," said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "Through these maritime efforts, we are building a stronger, more capable, and more unified force ready to address shared challenges in the region."

This iteration of the MCA included communication checks, exercising maritime domain awareness, data sharing, and combined targeting exercises against simulated targets.

The first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) conduct flight operations during a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
SOUTH CHINA SEA - The first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) conduct flight operations during a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
The first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) conduct flight operations during a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 1 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - The first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) conduct flight operations during a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
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From right, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) for a photo exercise during bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 2 of 4
From right, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) for a photo exercise during bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
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From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 3 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
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From left, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessels BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 4 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessels BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
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From right, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) for a photo exercise during bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
From right, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) for a photo exercise during bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
The first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) conduct flight operations during a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 1 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - The first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) conduct flight operations during a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
Download Download Image Link Image Details
From right, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) for a photo exercise during bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 2 of 4
From right, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) for a photo exercise during bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
Download Download Image Link Image Details
From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 3 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
Download Download Image Link Image Details
From left, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessels BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 4 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessels BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
Download Download Image Link Image Details
From left, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessels BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessels BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
The first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) conduct flight operations during a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 1 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - The first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) conduct flight operations during a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
Download Download Image Link Image Details
From right, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) for a photo exercise during bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 2 of 4
From right, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) for a photo exercise during bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
Download Download Image Link Image Details
From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 3 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and the Parola-class Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) steam in formation for a photo exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
Download Download Image Link Image Details
From left, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessels BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.
U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity 4 of 4
SOUTH CHINA SEA - From left, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessels BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), and the first-in-class Philippine Navy (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) steam ahead of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Bergado)
Download Download Image Link Image Details


The U.S., along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the sea related to those freedoms.

The Curtis Wilbur is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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