PH, US navies together in ‘Sama Sama’

The United States and Philippine navies are participating in the maritime training exercise Sama Sama in the vicinity of Cebu from June 19 to 25.

The US embassy in Manila said in a statement Sama Sama will focus on mutual security concerns that affect the Philippines, including piracy and sea smuggling, maritime domain awareness and patrol, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness.

The Tagalog phrase “Sama Sama” or “together” is the central theme of the training both at sea and on shore.

"The training we will perform over the next week will provide excellent opportunities to deepen our long-time maritime partnership with the Philippine Navy," said Rear Admiral Don Gabrielson, commander, Task Force 73.

"We are honored to work with the US Navy during this Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama," said Philippine Navy Commodore Loumer P. Bernabe.

The exercise “is an ideal framework to strengthen our relationship with our partners in the Philippine Navy and to enhance readiness through training and evolutions ashore and at sea," said Capt. Alexis Walker, commodore of the Destroyer Squadron 7.

US assets participating in Sama Sama include the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3) and a P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane.

Troops from the III Marine Expeditionary Force, Navy Seabees, and staff from Commander, Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron 7 will also participate.

The Philippine Navy units will include the Del Pilar Class Frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), BRP Agta, an AW109 helicopter, and a BN-2 Islander aircraft.

A Philippine Marine company and other naval staff will also join the exercise.