GUAM — The Philippine Coast Guard has completed a series of joint training engagements with the United States Coast Guard in Guam as it prepares for its historic first participation in the Rim of the Pacific exercise, the world's largest international maritime war game.
According to the US Coast Guard, the PCG offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang and its crew conducted pre-exercise activities in and around Guam from June 9 to 13 while en route to Hawaii for RIMPAC 2026.
The vessel arrived at Apra Harbor on June 9 and departed on June 12, before taking part in a joint sail with the US Coast Guard cutter Frederick Hatch through the US exclusive economic zone on June 13.
"The pre-exercise engagements in Guam were invaluable in preparing our crew for RIMPAC 2026," BRP Gabriela Silang commanding officer Capt. Jomark Angue said in a statement released by the US Coast Guard.
"Training alongside our US Coast Guard partners—on the water, on the deck, and in the field—sharpened our readiness and deepened the interoperability that defines a true alliance. We are proud to carry the Philippine flag into the world's largest maritime exercise, and we carry with us the spirit of partnership that began long before we reached Pearl Harbor," Angue added.
The Guam stopover marked the conclusion of the first leg of the vessel's voyage to Hawaii, where it is scheduled to participate in RIMPAC activities from June 22 to Aug. 2.
During the port visit, Philippine and US Coast Guard personnel conducted a range of training activities, including vessel tours, maritime law enforcement demonstrations, mock security boarding exercises and small-boat operations. The crews also participated in sports and cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening professional ties.
Cmdr. Grant Johnson of US Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam said the engagements helped foster trust and cooperation between the two maritime services.
"Whether we were training side by side on the water or sharing a basketball court and a karaoke mic, our crews built the kind of trust and friendship that lasts long after the lines are cast off," Johnson said.
The United States and the Philippines are treaty allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and continue to expand security cooperation through agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
RIMPAC 2026 will bring together 31 allied and partner nations, 40 surface ships, five submarines, 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel. Hosted by the US Pacific Fleet and led by the US 3rd Fleet, the exercise will focus on amphibious operations, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
The BRP Gabriela Silang, a 274-foot offshore patrol vessel and one of the PCG's largest ships, will represent the Philippines in the multinational exercise, marking a milestone for the country's maritime service as it seeks to enhance interoperability with regional partners.
