By Darryl John Esguerra

TOGETHER. Philippine, United States and Canadian naval vessels maneuver in formation off Palawan during Exercise SAMASAMA 2025 on Saturday (Oct. 11, 2025). The Western Naval Command hailed the display of “unity at sea and strength in action.” (Photo courtesy of Western Naval Command)

MANILA – Philippine, United States and Canadian warships conducted complex naval maneuvers under Exercise SAMASAMA (Together) 2025, showcasing strengthened defense cooperation and seamless interoperability in regional waters.

Naval forces -Task Group NTG44.1, composed of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Valentin Diaz (PS117), BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG902), USS Cincinnati (LCS20), HMCS Max Bernays(AOPV432), and air assets NH441 and NH43, executed on Saturday a full range of high-intensity tactical operations within the Western Naval Command (WNC) area of responsibility, including Palawan and Kalayaan islands.

The drills included replenishment at sea approaches, photo exercise, air defense exercise, combined anti-submarine exercise, publication exercise and screen exercise, all aimed at reinforcing coordination and enhancing readiness in joint maritime defense scenarios.

WNC said the successful conduct of the exercises reaffirmed the command’s role as a strategic hub for regional maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Exercise SAMASAMA, an annual multilateral training with the United States and partner nations, serves as a platform for enhancing collective defense capabilities amid growing security challenges in regional waters. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)