Philippine Navy joins US, Southeast Asian countries in SEACAT 2023 fleet training

The Philippine Navy, through Naval Forces West (NFW), participated in Maritime Training Activity Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (MTA SEACAT) 2023 – a scenario-driven fleet training hosted by the US 7th Fleet involving the use of the Singapore International Fusion Center and Multinational Operations and Exercise Center at Changi Singapore.

SEACAT focuses on real-time information exchange, coordinated surveillance operations, tracking, and eventual visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) activity on a designated maritime vessel of interest (VOI).

This year’s SEACAT, which was held from August 15-25, consisted of shore events in Changi, Singapore, as well as an at-sea phase in different Southeast Asian countries.

The exercise events in the NFW area of operations took place on Friday, August 25, in the waters off El Nido, Palawan.

The NFW area events were facilitated and monitored through the activation of battle staff led by Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations Navy Captain Charles Merric Villanueva PN(GSC), who is also the Commander of Naval Task Force 41.

“MTA SEACAT 2023 concluded with a developed capability and trust among participating countries to cooperate and provide mutual support in the maritime domain and have equipped PN personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve the PN’s vision to be a modern and multi-capable Philippine Navy,” NFW said in a statement.

“The objective of this training was to enhance cooperation among participating countries and provide mutual support and a common goal to address crises, contingencies, and illegal activities in the maritime domain using standard tactics, techniques, and procedures,” the NFW added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News