The United States and French naval forces recently conducted collaborative exercises in the Philippine Sea, a significant maritime area covering approximately half of the Earth's surface. These operations, which took place on August 13, 2024, aimed to bolster interoperability between the two allied nations in support of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey and the French Navy's Aquitaine-class frigate FS Bretagne participated in the joint maneuvers. These vessels, representing two of NATO's founding members, engaged in a series of coordinated activities designed to enhance their ability to work together effectively in various scenarios.
The exercises included formation sailing, which demands precise coordination between ships, combined communication drills, and simulated refuelling at sea. This last activity is particularly crucial as it allows naval vessels to remain operational for extended periods, a key factor in maintaining a persistent presence in strategic areas.
The U.S. 7th Fleet, the largest of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed fleets with an operational area spanning more than 124 million square kilometers, announced these bilateral operations in a statement released two days after the event. This fleet plays a vital role in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region, which has gained increased strategic importance in recent years.
It's worth noting that the concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" was first articulated by Japan in 2016, highlighting the region's significance in global geopolitics. The Philippine Sea itself, where these exercises took place, has historical importance as the site of a major World War II naval battle in 1944.
France's participation in these exercises underscores its continued interest in the Pacific region, where it maintains territories such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia. This collaboration also demonstrates the ongoing commitment of both nations to international maritime security and the principles of free navigation.
The joint operations between the USS Dewey, named after Admiral George Dewey, a hero of the Spanish-American War, and the FS Bretagne serve as a testament to the enduring alliance between the United States and France. Such exercises are crucial for maintaining effective multinational military operations and ensuring the readiness of naval forces to respond to various challenges in the region.
As these naval exercises conclude, they leave behind a strengthened partnership and improved interoperability between two key NATO allies in a region of growing strategic importance. The continued collaboration between the U.S. and French navies in the Philippine Sea, home to diverse marine ecosystems and important fishing grounds, underscores their shared commitment to regional stability and the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific.