Coast Guard Visits Philippines for First Time in Seven Years After Training in South China Sea

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Bertholf, on loan to the Navy’s 7th Fleet and busy across the western Pacific, joined Philippine coast guard vessels for training and maneuvers Tuesday in the South China Sea.

The Bertholf and Philippine vessels BRP Batangas and BRP Kalanggaman practiced search-and-rescue scenarios and other procedures near Scarborough Shoal in disputed waters off the western coast of the Philippines, the Navy said in a statement Wednesday.

Chinese coast guard vessels stood off and observed the U.S.-Philippine exercises but did not interfere, according to a report Thursday by NHK, the public broadcasting service in Japan.

Read more at Stars and Stripes

14th Pacific Partnership Mission Aims to Enhance Disaster Response Cooperation

Homeland Security Today

The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

See Full Bio