U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, Philippine forces conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

20 March 2026

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

MANILA BAY -- The combined forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, March 20, 2026. This activity demonstrated a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) sails with Philippine Navy Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG 15) in Manila Bay during the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), March 20, 2026. The U.S. Navy routinely operates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and partners and allies through MCAs to continually develop, exercise and enhance multi-domain tactical interoperability to uphold peace and security in the region. Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Douglass)

As the fourth MCA of 2026, these regular at-sea events strengthen the interoperability of our respective military doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. This MCA focused on key maritime communication drills and interoperability.

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 Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG 15); Philippine Coast Guard BRP Gabriela Silang (OBV 8301); Armed Forces of the Philippines aircraft including a C-208B utility aircraft, A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft, a Sokol search and rescue helicopter; and U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). This marks Blue Ridge’s first participation in an MCA.

Two Armed Forces of the Philippine A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft conduct a flyover of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Manila Bay during the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), March 20, 2026. The U.S. Navy routinely operates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and partners and allies through MCAs to continually develop, exercise and enhance multi-domain tactical interoperability to uphold peace and security in the region. Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Douglass)

Two Armed Forces of the Philippines A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft conduct a flyover of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Manila Bay during the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), March 20, 2026. The U.S. Navy routinely operates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and partners and allies through MCAs to continually develop, exercise and enhance multi-domain tactical interoperability to uphold peace and security in the region. Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Douglass)

Prior to the MCA, Blue Ridge conducted a port visit to Manila where U.S. 7th Fleet and the Philippine Navy Fleet conducted subject matter expert exchanges and leadership calls. While in port, Blue Ridge hosted Philippine civilian and military leadership as well as ambassadors throughout the region during an evening reception.

The U.S., along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law.

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