MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) made its debut at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise as the United States and its allies concluded the world's largest multinational naval drills this week, with commanders saying the participation reflected the growing role of coast guards in regional security while emphasizing that the exercise is focused on collective readiness rather than any specific country.
During a virtual press briefing on Wednesday marking the close of RIMPAC 2026, US Vice Admiral Jeffrey Jablon, commander of the Combined Task Force, said the PCG's first participation demonstrated its growing contribution to maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance.
"The Philippine Coast Guard participated for the first time ever. They really brought valuable capability to the exercise, especially in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance," Jablon said.
He said the PCG's offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang integrated "seamlessly" with partner nations throughout the sea phase of the exercise.
Asked by The Manila Times how RIMPAC contributed to maritime security and freedom of navigation in contested waters such as the South China Sea, Jablon said the biennial exercise was intended to strengthen readiness and cooperation rather than target any country.
"RIMPAC isn't about signaling to one country. It's really about readiness," he said. "We're able to operate together, communicate together and strengthen our ability to respond to crises, deter aggression and preserve sovereignty across the Indo-Pacific."
Jablon added that the Philippines' participation, particularly that of the PCG, demonstrated the value of multinational cooperation.
"The participation of the Philippines, especially the first time for the Philippine Coast Guard, is really a significant event for RIMPAC as we look to expand future participation of coast guards through law enforcement and maritime exercises," he said.
RIMPAC 2026 brought together 30 nations, more than 30,000 personnel, 31 surface ships, five submarines and more than 190 aircraft in and around Hawaii. Participating forces carried out more than 500 maritime exercise events, over 2,400 flight sorties and more than 5,000 scenario-based operational problems to improve interoperability across maritime, air, cyber and amphibious operations.
Jablon said humanitarian assistance and disaster response training was expanded during this year's exercise and would grow further in RIMPAC 2028, describing it as especially relevant for disaster-prone countries such as the Philippines.
Rear Adm. Takuo Kobayashi of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said the exercise strengthened coordination by allowing partner forces to overcome differences in language and procedures before real-world crises.
Rear Adm. In-ho Kim of the Republic of Korea Navy said the exercise demonstrated that participating countries could effectively command and operate an integrated multinational maritime force under common operational objectives.
Jablon also highlighted this year's multinational leadership structure, with South Korea leading the maritime component, Chile serving as deputy commander of the Combined Task Force and Peru commanding the Amphibious Task Force.
Held every two years since 1971, RIMPAC is regarded as the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, aimed at improving interoperability, strengthening maritime security and disaster response, and reinforcing a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
