NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila - Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer In Command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., received the Commanding General of the United States’ 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, during his visit at the PN headquarters on Monday, April 22.

Said courtesy call, which came on the heels of the opening ceremony of Balikatan 2024, was a platform of fruitful exchanges about strengthening the coordination and interoperability between the PH and US forces toward the promotion of regional security and the protection of shared interests.

Likewise discussed were the impact of this annual bilateral exercise to the modernization efforts of the PN, the troop deployment across different operational areas during the exercise, and the cyber warfare as an emerging domain, reflecting a proactive approach to evolving security challenges.

Vice Adm. Adaci congratulated Lt. Gen. Cederholm on assuming the role of Commander of the Joint Task Force for the US-led Balikatan Exercise, acknowledging his leadership and commitment to regional security cooperation.

In response, the I MEF Commander reaffirmed dedication to advancing mutual cooperation and interoperability being among the steady partners of the PN in improving the capacity and capability of its marine forces through exercises like Balikatan.

This engagement reflects the sustainment of the strong and enduring partnership between the PN and the US Marine Corps in advancing shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

PUBLISHED BY:    Naval Public Affairs Office (NPAO) CDR JOHN PERCIE A ALCOS PN(GSC) Director, Naval Public Affairs Office