U.S. and Philippine Coast Guards conduct bilateral search and rescue exercise

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/17/2024 06:45 PM EDT

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U.S. and Philippine Coast Guards conduct bilateral search and rescue exercise
07/17/2024 06:29 PM EDT

SOUTH CHINA SEA — The U.S. Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard joined together to conduct a bilateral U.S.-Philippine search and rescue exercise in the South China Sea, July 16. The bilateral U.S.-Philippine search and rescue exercise included the U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Waesche (WMSL 751) and the Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702). Operations included a joint sail and conducting search and rescue (SAR) training, personnel transfer evolutions, and bilateral sailing.
U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Patrick Ober, combat information center officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751), speaks with members of the Philippine Coast Guard, assigned to Philippine Coast Guard Vessel Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), while aboard the Waesche during a bilateral U.S.-Philippine search and rescue exercise in the South China Sea, July 16, 2024. The bilateral exercise was an opportunity to strengthen relations by working together and exchanging operating procedures and practices. Waesche is the second U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2024. Coast Guard cutters routinely deploy to the region to engage with partner nations to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Julia VanLuven)