Forging Brotherhood in the Jungle: U.S. and Philippine Marines Launch High-Stakes Archipelagic Coastal Defense 25.3 Exercises in Palawan

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PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN — Amid the dense tropical jungles and strategic coastlines of Palawan, the thundering echoes of live fire and the silent sweep of unmanned aerial systems signal the beginning of Archipelagic Coastal Defense (ACD) 25.3—a high-intensity bilateral training operation between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC). Running from June 23 to July 15, 2025, this critical military exercise reaffirms an unshakeable alliance and an unwavering commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines from Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 are once again standing shoulder to shoulder with their counterparts from the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade in a series of joint drills designed not only to sharpen warfighting skills but to fortify regional stability.

From live-fire marksmanship and jungle survival tactics to advanced patrolling operations and subject matter exchanges on small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), the exercises are strategically crafted to simulate real-world scenarios in the uniquely fragmented geography of the Philippine archipelago. The climax of this joint endeavor will unfold in a coordinated airfield seizure exercise at Roxas Airfield, an event that promises to spotlight the growing interoperability and tactical cohesion between the two forces.

“The training we conduct during ACD 25.3 directly contributes to our operational readiness and strengthens our coastal defense strategy,” said Brigadier General Antonio G. Mangoroban, commanding officer of the 3rd Marine Brigade. “These exercises foster critical skills and enhance our ability to jointly respond to any security challenge.”

The symbolic and strategic importance of ACD 25.3 cannot be overstated. At a time when maritime disputes and external threats continue to test sovereignty and security in the Indo-Pacific, this exercise embodies more than tactical readiness—it represents unity of purpose and shared resilience.

The Philippine contingent brings formidable capability to the table, with participants from the Marine Battalion Landing Teams, Force Reconnaissance Group, Coastal Defense Regiment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, combat engineers, and health service support units. Each element plays a vital role in executing complex and high-risk operations that define modern coastal defense.

“We look forward to the opportunity to share tactics and build interoperability with our Philippine counterparts,” emphasized Captain Mark Chase, commanding officer of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. “This partnership enables both our forces to effectively train, adapt, and respond together in the unique operational environment presented by the Philippine archipelago.”

As part of a broader framework supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Archipelagic Coastal Defense Concept and ongoing AFP modernization efforts, ACD exercises continue to strengthen the Philippines' posture in defending its waters, coastlines, and communities.

In the unforgiving terrain of Palawan, this is more than just training—it is a testament to decades of defense cooperation, evolving to meet the moment. Through coordinated drills, knowledge-sharing, and a commitment to mutual defense, ACD 25.3 sends a resounding message: the alliance between the United States and the Philippines remains unbroken, dynamic, and ready for the challenges ahead.

With each footstep in the mud and every round fired on the range, the two nations move closer to a future where peace is preserved through strength, and security is built through solidarity.

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