Between January 17 and 18, the U.S. and Philippine Navies conducted the first of their planned combined patrols for the year in the South China Sea, aiming to strengthen the growing strategic ties between the two nations. It was a significant operation for the U.S. Navy, as it involved the deployment of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), accompanied by its escort group consisting of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), along with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59). Joining them were the Philippine Navy’s frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151) and the patrol vessel BRP Andrés Bonifacio (PS 17).

Reflecting on the activity, Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, commander of Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1), stated: “Professional engagement with allies, partners, and friends in the region allows us to build on our strong existing relationships and continue learning from each other (…) The United States and the Philippines are staunch allies. As maritime sister nations, we share the common goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring access to the seas.”

It is worth noting that the area is one of the main waterways for international maritime trade across the Pacific Ocean, with an estimated $3.4 trillion in goods transiting through it, accounting for nearly one-third of global maritime trade. Additionally, the South China Sea is a significant repository of energy resources, including gas and oil, which are contested by several neighboring countries.

Following this perspective, with China being the dominant player in the region, the area remains the subject of various territorial disputes. Beijing has set its sights on the Spratly and Paracel Islands, which in recent years have seen significant military infrastructure enhancements, including new radar systems and airstrips. This activity has raised concerns among several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, which maintains its own claims over the region and sees the U.S. as its primary counterbalance in this scenario.

For now, the deployment of the aforementioned CSG-1, along with its escorting Destroyer Squadron, served these strategic purposes, while also facilitating joint training for Filipino and American forces. This included navigation in various formations, simulated defense exercises, and humanitarian mission preparedness. Additionally, the operation was an opportunity for the pilots of Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) aboard the USS Carl Vinson, which fields a wide range of platforms across nine squadrons, including F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, as well as CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that before conducting this combined patrol, the aircraft carrier in question made a port call at Port Klang, Malaysia. This marks the second visit of such a vessel to the country in just over a month, a notable occurrence given that it had not happened since 2012. Previously, it was the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) that visited the country in December while en route back to its home port in San Diego.

Image credits: Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Jordan

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