The US Navy, US Marine Corps, the Philippines Armed Forces, and allied forces have started the Sama Sama 2024 maritime exercise in Subic Bay, the Republic of the Philippines.
The eighth iteration of the exercise involves maritime engagements for two weeks. It is aimed at strengthening security ties and enhancing interoperability among regional partners.
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Sama Sama 2024, a part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, continues to build upon the collaborative efforts of previous maritime exercises.
The exercise is said to have grown in complexity, transitioning into a sophisticated multinational training environment.
This year’s iteration includes participants from Australia, Japan, Canada, and France, alongside the US and the Philippines.
Philippine Navy Delegation head and vice commander rear admiral Jose Ambrosio Ezpeleta said: “Today we witness the deepening of ties between the Philippine Navy and the US Navy along with our partners from Australia, Canada, France, United Kingdom, and Japan.
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By GlobalData“This exercise is a powerful investment for our collective movement and an opportunity to address regional challenges together.”
The exercise will cover a spectrum of disciplines, providing training in medicine, legal operations, engineering, logistics, and public affairs.
It will include naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft, supported by specialised teams such as diving and explosive ordnance disposal units.
Participants will undertake drills in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and maritime domain awareness.
Additionally, US assets participating in the exercise include the USS Howard (DDG 83), a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and personnel from the US 7th Fleet, CTFs 76, 75, 72, DESRON 7, and the Marine Corps’ MRF-SEA.
The Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150); BRP Waray (LC-288); BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC 380); the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter; and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Shin Maywa US-2 amphibious aircraft and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft are also taking part.
