US, Philippines discuss strength of naval interoperability

MANILA, Philippines — A ranking US Marine officer has discussed ways of strengthening naval interoperability with Philippine Navy officials.

In a statement, the Philippine Navy said the discussions were made during a courtesy call of US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Japan Commanding General Lt. Gen. James Bierman on Naval Inspector General Maj. Gen. Jonas Lumawag on Wednesday.

Lumawag represented acting Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Rear Admiral Caesar Valencia.

The Navy said the two sides “had a forward-looking discussion on the future of exercises between the fleet and marine forces of the two allied nations.”

“Lt. Gen. Bierman enjoined his PH counterpart to determine important areas that need to be included in the conduct of future trainings and exercises as the US is working very hard on more naval interoperability between the navy and the Marine Corps,” the statement read.

Lumawag, for his part, said training related to cyberspace and territorial defense operations should be given more focus.

This will include more exercises in the northern and southern parts of the country.

“The two leaders vowed to address and overcome tough challenges in terms of interoperability as both forces continue to work together toward peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.

The AFP earlier in the week launched two naval exercises with the US and Australia called the Maritime Training Activity SAMA-SAMA and LUMBAS.

This was the first time this year that soldiers, sailors and other personnel of the Navy engaged in simultaneous exercises with the two countries.