25 November 2023
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PH-US Conducted Joint Maritime Patrol
25 November 2023
Joint Maritime Patrol between PH and US (all photos : PAF)2 PAF FA-50PH planes take part in PH-US joint maritime patrol
MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday announced that two of its South Korean-made FA-50PH light jet fighters took part in a maritime air patrol (MARPAT) with United States aircraft over Batanes and areas in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Tuesday.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, in a statement, said the activity is part of the Philippine-US MARPAT aimed at boosting "interoperability with its US counterparts" and enhancing regional security in cooperation with its long-time ally.
"The ongoing maritime cooperative activity (MCA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) will run until November 23, 2023 and will include the participation of naval ships from the Philippine Navy and its US counterparts," she added.
Castillo said other PAF air assets will also be utilized in the ongoing joint maritime activity.
She also added the Air Force is committed to ensuring the readiness of its air assets to support the AFP's efforts in protecting the country's national territory and maritime interests as well as maintaining peace and security in the region.
Not meant at escalating tensions
Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar on Wednesday said this activity with the US was not meant to escalate tensions with China.
"It is not meant to escalate the tension and all our actions and intentions are in accordance with international laws and conventions (UNCLOS, COLREG, CUE)," he added.
Aguilar said this is just a "show of our firm resolve to assert our sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and commitment to uphold such conventions that promote peaceful resolution of maritime conflicts."
"We hope and expect China to do the same," he added.
Passing exercise in WPS
As this developed, the BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) and the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS-10) performed passing exercises (PASSEX) on Wednesday, as part of the three-day MCA.
The two ships met and linked up last night west of Lubang Island and completed the exercises aimed at testing communications capabilities for real-life scenarios.
The MCA demonstrates the commitment of the AFP and USINDOPACOM to the Philippine-US alliance and in maintaining regional stability and security in accordance with international law and the rules-based international order.
(PNA)
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24 November 2023
TNI AU Ketambahan 2 Helikopter Caracal dalam Waktu Dekat, Pesawat Super Hercules Tiba Lagi Tahun Depan
The Nafanua III, Guardian-class Patrol Boat Delivered to Samoa
24 November 2023
Nafanua III is the 18th Guardian-class Patrol Boat to be delivered by Austal to the Australian Department of Defence under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project SEA3036-1 (photo : Austal)
Today Samoa formally received the Guardian-class Patrol Boat, the Nafanua III, handed over by the Australian Government.
The Nafanua III was officially received by the Hon Harry Jeffrey, Minister for Police and Prisons and Auapaau Logotino Filipo, Police Commissioner on behalf of the Samoan Government at a ceremony in Perth.
With an increased sail capacity the Nafanua III will help continue Samoa’s important work in protecting its maritime sovereignty, enhancing its surveillance capability. It will also allow for faster humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts when required.
Nafanua III is the 18th vessel delivered under the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, enabling enhanced capability in support of the security goals of our Pacific partners.
The Pacific Maritime Security Program is a 30-year commitment by the Australian Government to ensure uninterrupted engagement with our Pacific partners in support of a stable, prosperous and secure region.
Tania Lawrence MP, Federal Member for Hasluck, represented the Deputy Prime Minister at the ceremony.
Nafanua III is the 18th Guardian-class Patrol Boat for Samoa (photo : Brian Scott)Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
“The Australian Defence Force shares a deep and enduring partnership with the Samoa Police Service, and it is fantastic to see the delivery of Nafanua III, which will play a critical role in supporting regional maritime security efforts”
“Austal’s continued commitment to building world-class capability right here in Australia will mean safer waters and stronger responses to shared maritime challenges for our Pacific partners.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“Australia is pleased to deliver another Guardian class patrol boat to an important Pacific partner, Samoa, to strengthen Samoa’s maritime security, including its ability to protect valuable fisheries in its waters.
“We are proud to be the partner of choice for members of the Pacific family, and as part of that, to be providing a vessel that’s designed and built in Australia.”
(Aus DoD)









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