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U.S. Naval Special Warfare, Philippines NAVSOU Conduct Joint Combined Training Exchange

14 March 2025

From Sgt. Adeola Adetimehin, Naval Special Warfare Group ONE

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — A West Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit and members of Philippines Naval Special Operation Units (NAVSOU) conducted a joint combined exchange training (JCET) exercise from Feb. 10 – March 7, 2025.

Philippines, U.S. Naval Special Warfare Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training
SLIDESHOW | images | Philippines, U.S. Naval Special Warfare Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training A U.S. Naval Special Warfare operator provides security on a gas and oil platform during a joint combined exchange training (JCET) event in El Nido, Philippines, March 1, 2025. JCET events are designed to enhance bilateral relations, promote regional stability, and improve interoperability with allies and partners. NSW provides maritime special operations force capabilities to enable Joint Force lethality and survivability inside denied and contested areas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Adeola Adetimehin)
Philippines, U.S. Naval Special Warfare Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training
SLIDESHOW | images | Philippines, U.S. Naval Special Warfare Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training An Armed Forces of the Philippines service member rehearses securing a gas and oil platform during a joint combined exchange training (JCET) event with U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators in El Nido, Philippines, March 1, 2025. JCET events are designed to enhance bilateral relations, promote regional stability, and improve interoperability with allies and partners. NSW provides maritime special operations force capabilities to enable Joint Force lethality and survivability inside denied and contested areas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Adeola Adetimehin)
U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators and Armed Forces of the Philippines service members rehearse securing a gas and oil platform during a joint combined exchange training (JCET) event in El Nido, Philippines, March 1, 2025.
SLIDESHOW | images | Philippines, U.S. Naval Special Warfare conduct GOPLAT training U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators and Armed Forces of the Philippines service members rehearse securing a gas and oil platform during a joint combined exchange training (JCET) event in El Nido, Philippines, March 1, 2025. JCET events are designed to enhance bilateral relations, promote regional stability, and improve interoperability with allies and partners. NSW provides maritime special operations force capabilities to enable Joint Force lethality and survivability inside denied and contested areas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Adeola Adetimehin

The JCET took place in El Nido, Philippines, where both parties took part in various training sessions to include gas and oil platform training (GOPLAT), land warfare training, tactical combat casualty care, target assault training, and close quarter combat training.

While JCET events primarily focus on U.S. military readiness and training; however, they are also mutually beneficial to U.S. allies and partners by enhancing bilateral relations and contributing to regional stability.

“Working with the NAVSOU has been a unique opportunity. They operate similarly to the U.S. SEAL Teams, and our cultures are alike in many ways,” said an NSW operator.

During the JCET, NSW operators honed their skills in diverse environments, taking advantage of the opportunity to train in jungle terrain and maritime settings alongside their NAVSOU counterparts.

"Training in this environment provides unique opportunities to refine our skills, particularly in jungle warfare," said an NSW operator. "Working alongside NAVSOU in these challenging conditions has enhanced our capabilities and strengthened our partnership."

For nearly 75 years, since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951,the United States and the Philippines have upheld, maintained, and enhanced our alliance. The enduring relationship covers political, security, and economic cooperation and a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Naval Special Warfare is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, providing maritime special operations force capabilities to enable Joint Force lethality and survivability inside denied and contested areas.

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