A US Navy carrier strike group led by the USS George Washington took part in the 17th multilateral maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday. The announcement highlights another joint maritime activity involving Philippine and US forces.

The participation of the USS George Washington, a major US Navy aircraft carrier, gave added weight to the latest MMCA event. Philippine military officials said the activity formed part of the ongoing series of cooperative operations at sea.

The multilateral maritime cooperative activity framework is used for coordinated naval operations and presence missions involving partner forces. In this case, the AFP identified the US carrier strike group as a key participant in the 17th edition held in the West Philippine Sea.

The development underscores continued security coordination between Manila and Washington in strategically important waters. While the AFP statement focused on the carrier group’s role in the exercise, the participation of the USS George Washington made the latest MMCA one of the more notable maritime activities announced this year.