Naval forces from the Philippines, United States, and Canada executed a series of high-intensity tactical operations off the coast of Palawan and the Kalayaan islands as part of Exercise SAMASAMA 2025, a multilateral maritime drill aimed at strengthening regional defense cooperation.
The joint task group—composed of Philippine Navy vessels BRP Antonio Luna, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, BRP Valentin Diaz, and BRP Lolinato To-Ong, alongside USS Cincinnati of the U.S. Navy and HMCS Max Bernays of the Royal Canadian Navy—conducted complex maneuvers including replenishment at sea, air defense drills, anti-submarine exercises, and formation operations. Air assets NH441 and NH43 also participated in the exercise.
The Western Naval Command hailed the event as a display of “unity at sea and strength in action,” emphasizing its role as a strategic hub for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Exercise SAMASAMA, held annually, serves as a platform for enhancing interoperability and collective readiness among allied nations amid evolving security challenges in Southeast Asian waters.
The Bench Files 
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