MANILA – U.S. and Philippine navy forces officially opened on Monday (Oct. 7) the eight iteration of Exercise Sama Sama in the vicinity of Subic Bay, Zambales, marking the beginning of two weeks of maritime engagements designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen security ties among regional partners, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said.
In a news release from the Embassy, it mentioned that the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and allied forces will participate in “specialized training across a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, legal operations, engineering, logistics and public affairs.”
“Sama Sama 2024, part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, builds on the legacy of previous maritime collaboration, expanding its scope of operations with both shore and sea phases,” the Embassy stated.
“Sama Sama”, which means “togetherness” in Tagalog, is a part of CARAT, a multinational exercise series designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft, specialized teams, including diving and explosive ordnance disposal units, are expected to conduct high-intensity drills focusing on anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and maritime domain awareness, the Embassy mentioned.
Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73) (left) poses for a photo with Rear Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, (middle) and Commodore Edward Ike Morada De Sagon, Commander, Naval Forces Northern Luzon (right) at the opening ceremony of Exercise Sama Sama, on Naval Operating Base-Subic, Subic, Zambales, Oct. 7. Sama Sama is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Philippians and the United States, with participants form Australia, Canada, France, and Japan, designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry)
Meanwhile, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and Japan will be joining in this year’s exercise, as a reflection of the strong partnership between allies in the region, according to Philippine Navy Head of Delegation, Rear Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy.
“Today we witness the deepening of ties between the Philippine Navy and the U.S. Navy along with our partners from Australia, Canada, France, United Kingdom, and Japan,” Rear Adm. Ezpeleta said.
“This exercise is a powerful investment for our collective movement and an opportunity to address regional challenges together,” Ezpeleta added.
Participating assets from the U.S. include the Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), and a P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
Personnel from U.S. 7th Fleet; Command Task Forces (CTF) 76, 75 and 72; Command, Destroyer Squadron Seven (DESRON 7); and the Marine Corps’ Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) are also taking part in Sama Sama 2024.
From partner nations, the U.S. welcomed the Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150); BRP Waray (LC-288); BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC 380); a Force Reconnaissance Group, Naval Special Operations Unit 2; and supporting units that include a medical and media team.
The Royal Canadian Navy will bring the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.
A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Shin Maywa US-2 amphibious aircraft and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft will also participate.
“This exercise has evolved significantly since its inception. What began as a bilateral event between the United States and the Philippines has grown into a multilateral and multiplatform operation, bringing together like-minded partners from across the Indo-Pacific,” said the U.S. Head of Delegation, Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, Commander Logistics Western Pacific, and Task Force 73.
“This development highlights the strength of our alliances and our shared commitment to peace, security, and cooperation in the maritime domain and it’s never been more important,” Cimicata said.
