SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Eleven naval vessels from eight countries joined simulation drills, ship formations and a photo exercise in the West Philippine Sea on Sept. 23 as the at-sea phase of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders’ Program got underway.

The Philippines led the participating countries, which included Japan, the United States, Australia, India, New Zealand, Singapore and Brunei.

The Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FFG-14) led the column formation as participating ships practiced coordinated maneuvering and navigation at sea.

Other vessels involved included the Philippine Navy landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601), a U.S. Navy littoral combat ship, a Royal Australian Navy frigate, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer, a New Zealand frigate and sustainment vessel, an Indian Navy frigate and corvette, a Singapore Navy littoral ship and a Brunei patrol ship.

The Philippine Navy also deployed an AW159 helicopter for a simulated medical evacuation.

During the exercise, the helicopter transported a simulated casualty from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Ise to the BRP Jose Rizal, where the casualty was received for further medical assessment and treatment.

The at-sea phase is part of the ADMM-Plus EWG on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders’ Program, which seeks to improve interoperability, promote knowledge exchange and strengthen practical cooperation in the maritime domain.

The Philippine Navy said the activity demonstrates continued cooperation with regional and international partners in support of a secure and resilient maritime region.

TOP 📸 Formation at sea — Participating naval vessels sail in formation during the at-sea phase of the ADMM-Plus EWG on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders’ Program in the West Philippine Sea.