Lieutenant General Fernyl G Buca PAF, Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM, AFP), joined the AFP-USINDOPACOM Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in the West Philippine Sea reinforcing the collaborative efforts between the NOLCOM, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
Lt. Gen. Buca embarked on his mission aboard the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), where he was welcomed by Lieutenant Commander Christopher Calvo, the vessel’s Acting Commanding Officer wherein they conducted maritime patrol around the waters of Lubang Island in Mindoro.
Afterward, Lt. Gen. Buca boarded the USS Carl Vinson (CVN70), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, where he was greeted by Captain Matthew Thomas, the ship’s Commanding Officer, along with the carrier’s crew as they conducted maritime patrol in the vicinity of Bajo De Masinloc which is a maritime area under area of operations of NOLCOM.
The MCA serves as an exemplary platform for both military forces to bolster interoperability through joint exercises, showcasing the ability of the AFP and USINDOPACOM to work seamlessly together, thereby enhancing collective capabilities and readiness to address evolving regional security challenges.
This year’s MCA demonstrates considerable progress in defense capabilities and the development of a world-class armed force. It is a manifestation of hte commitment of both nations to protecting the region.
Significant naval assets from both countries, including the USS Carl Vinson, the USS Princeton (CG 59), the USS Kidd (DDG 100), and the USS Sterett (DDG 104) from the US, and the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602) from the Philippines, participated in this exercise.
As the exercise concluded, NOLCOM reaffirmed its unwavering support and commitment to the MCA. “This cooperative activity not only strengthens our naval capabilities but also fortifies the bond between the Philippines and the United States,” stated Lt. Gen. Buca. “NOLCOM is fully committed to these exercises, recognizing their importance in ensuring the security and stability of our region. We look forward to continued collaboration with our US counterparts, working hand in hand towards our common goals.”
NOLCOM is the AFP’s unified command tasked with the vital responsibility of securing three key maritime areas: the resource-rich Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Rise (Benham Rise), and the strategically important Batanes Strait.
