Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar, La Union – On October 07, 2024, the Philippine Navy, through Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), conducted the Opening Ceremony of Exercise SAMASAMA 2024 at Naval Operating Base Subic, Zambales. The ceremony was spearheaded by the Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN, the Guest of honor and Speaker, with the Commander, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Commodore Edward Ike M De Sagon PN, and the Head of US Delegation, Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Todd F Cimicata. Exercise SAMASAMA represented the reconstitution of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) initiative and marks the seventh iteration of this vital joint training exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America. Its primary objective is to develop bilateral response capabilities to regional crises and improve the capacities to address non-traditional security concerns, including territorial defense, natural and man-made disasters, terrorism, maritime security, and transnational crimes. 

The Opening Ceremony marked the start of the Shore Phase of the Exercise, featuring a series of Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), various ceremonies and receptions, tours and static displays, and coordination and team-building activities. This year, the Exercise will be structured into two main phases: the Shore Phase, which will occur from October 07 to 11, and the Sea Phase that includes at-sea exercises to enhance interoperability among the participating force, scheduled from October 12 to 17.  

In recognition of the continuing evolution of security challenges, Exercise SAMASAMA 2024 welcomes participation from allied nations. The Royal Canadian Navy will partake in limited shore phase activities and join the sea events from October 15 to 17. Additionally, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will engage in SMEEs, Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX), and Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX). The French Navy and the Royal Australian Navy will contribute personnel for the SMEEs during the harbor phase. 

The Philippine Navy is committed to continuously developing its capabilities across physical and non-physical dimensions, and this year’s Exercise SAMASAMA is set to be more robust than ever. Through enhanced cooperation, the exercise aims to strengthen alliances among participating nations while promoting peace and stability in the region.

PUBLISHED BY:    Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) ENS CYRUS ANTHONY C RAMOS O‑22991 PN NFNL Public Affairs Officer