"The U.S. Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard joined together to conduct bilateral operations in the South China Sea, July 16," the statement said.
The bilateral operations involved the US Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Waesche (WMSL 751) and the Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), it added.
"Operations included a joint sail and conducting search and rescue training, personnel transfer evolutions, and bilateral sailing," the statement said.
Waesche’s commanding officer, Capt. Tyson Scofield, pointed out that the US military strives to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
"Sharing lessons learned and best practices through person-to-person exercises is the best way to improve our ability to operate together on the unforgiving ocean," he said.
The US Coast Guard will continue regular operations with its partners in the region to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies, according to the statement.