Australia, New Zealand, Philippines and U.S. Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

31 October 2025

From U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Public Affairs Office

SOUTH CHINA SEA — The combined armed forces of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, Oct. 30-31, 2025.

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These combined maritime capabilities build upon previous MCAs and our continuous operations together, which strengthen the interoperability of our armed and defense forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures.

MCAs are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.

Participating units included the Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155), the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Polar-class sustainment ship HMNZS Aotearoa (A11), the Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150), a AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat, three Philippine Air Force A-29B Super Tucano, a W-3A Sokol multipurpose combat helicopter, the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadrons (VP) 4 and 45.

The U.S., along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect to the maritime rights under international law.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.