The Philippine Navy and the United States Naval Forces on Monday launched a joint training exercise called SAMASAMA 2024 in Subic Bay in Zambales.
The event represented the reconstitution of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) initiative, and marks the seventh iteration of this bilateral exercise..
The activity primarily aims to develop collaborative response capabilities to regional crises and improve the capacities to address non-traditional security concerns, including territorial defense,
natural and man-made disasters, terrorism, maritime security, and transnational crimes.
The opening ceremony was led by Philippine Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Jose Ambrosio Ezpeleta and Rear Admiral Todd Cimicata of the US Naval Forces.
This year, the exercise will be structured into two main phases: the Shore Phase set on Oct. 7-11, and the Sea Phase that includes at-sea exercises to enhance interoperability among the participating force, scheduled on Oct. 12 to 17.
In recognition of the continuing evolution of security challenges, Exercise SAMASAMA 2024 welcomes participation from allied nations. The Royal Canadian Navy will take part
in the limited shore phase activities and join the sea events from Oct. 15 to 17.
