PCG Joins US, Mexico in Hawaii Maritime Drills

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a maritime security operations exercise with the United States Coast Guard and Mexican Navy during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026 in Hawaii on July 16. The PCG said the exercise featured coordinated boarding operations designed to improve tactical proficiency, communication and interoperability in conducting maritime law enforcement and security missions. The US Coast Guard Cutter Kimball and the Mexican Navy’s ARM Juárez joined the maritime security operations. The PCG said participating countries proceeded with boarding procedures and operational coordination in a realistic training environment, reinforcing their collective capability to address maritime threats and safeguard regional security. At the same time, the PCG Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) under the Coast Guard Special Operations Force participated in a multinational rigging exercise during the RIMPAC Exercise. The training was led by the US Navy Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One and brought together EOD and diving personnel from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Peruvian Navy, Mexican Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy. The exercise strengthened participants’ technical proficiency in salvage operations while promoting the exchange of best practices and standardized procedures among multinational forces. “PCG’s participation underscores its commitment to enhancing specialized maritime capabilities and contributing to collective regional maritime security through realistic, multinational training under RIMPAC 2026,” PCG said. This series of exercises highlights the Philippines' commitment to strengthening its contributions to regional maritime security and underscores the importance of deepening cooperation with neighboring countries and allies amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea. Given its vast coastline and strategic geographical location, enhancing maritime security and law enforcement capabilities is a pressing issue for the Philippines.