Ships from Australia, Canada, and the United States conducted tactical maneuvers, helicopter cross-decks, and personnel exchanges in the South China Sea from April 12 to 18, as a precursor to the Balikatan 2026 exercises supporting a 'free and open Indo-Pacific.'
Ships from the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba, Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Charlottetown, a Royal Canadian Air Force Super Puma helicopter, and the US Navy dock landing ship USS Ashland with embarked Marines from Task Force Ashland participated in the operations.
Cmdr. Adam Peeples, commanding officer of USS Ashland, said the activities provided allied forces 'any chance to engage with our allies and friends,' improving interoperability and information-sharing. The sailors and Marines involved were 'dedicated to supporting regional security.'
These maneuvers preceded the start of Balikatan 2026 on April 20. The Armed Forces of the Philippines reiterated that the overall exercises are 'defensive in nature' to secure and protect what is rightfully and legally theirs.
