The U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and allied nations launched the eighth edition of Exercise Sama Sama on October 7 near Subic Bay in the Philippines. This year’s event, which will span two weeks, marks a critical phase in regional defense cooperation. With almost a thousand participants, this high-intensity exercise aims to enhance maritime security and interoperability among regional allies.
The exercise forms a part of the long-running Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, expanding the maritime legacy between the U.S., the Philippines, and like-minded Indo-Pacific nations. As tensions simmer in the South China Sea due to China’s aggressive actions, Sama Sama seeks to fortify regional defense partnerships while demonstrating a united stance for peace and stability.
Rear Admiral Todd Cimicata, Commander of Task Force 73 and the U.S. Head of Delegation, emphasized that the exercise, which initially began as a bilateral event, has grown into a multilateral and multi-platform operation. “This exercise has evolved significantly since its inception,” Cimicata said. “What began as a bilateral event between the United States and the Philippines has grown into a multilateral and multiplatform operation, bringing together like-minded partners from across the Indo-Pacific.”
Countries such as Australia, Canada, France, and Japan will participate in Sama Sama 2024, highlighting the region’s enduring commitment to joint maritime security efforts. This year’s operations focus on strengthening cooperation in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and anti-air warfare (AAW), showcasing the tactical versatility required in the volatile South China Sea.
The Tagalog phrase “Sama Sama,” meaning “unity” or “togetherness,” aptly represents the underlying theme of this exercise. For the Philippines, Sama Sama symbolizes both resilience and commitment to multilateral cooperation. As China’s actions in the region grow more provocative, the Philippines has been engaging in a series of multinational military drills and strategic patrols to foster an environment of deterrence.
Rear Admiral Cimicata clarified the nature of the drills, stating, “The intent of these exercises is not to ruffle feathers. It’s tailored for interoperability. Across the gamut, there are people that don’t follow those rules, so we have to agree so that we can set those standards.” The U.S. Navy official underscored that while the exercise is meant to strengthen alliances and build operational capabilities, it is not directed toward any specific nation.
However, it is no secret that the backdrop to Sama Sama 2024 is increasing Chinese belligerence in the South China Sea, where China’s growing assertiveness has been a cause for concern among Southeast Asian nations, especially the Philippines.
The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard, Canada’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver along with its CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, and Japan’s Shin Maywa US-2 amphibious aircraft and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft are among the key assets being deployed for the drills. The Philippines’ navy warships will also participate in the exercises, reinforcing the bilateral and multilateral ties.
This iteration of Sama Sama comes at a time of heightened tension in the South China Sea, where China has increasingly been accused of aggressive behavior against neighboring nations. Late in September, a Chinese Navy missile boat allegedly directed a military-grade laser at a Philippine aircraft in the South China Sea—a significant escalation in a region already teeming with territorial disputes. This incident follows several similar provocations by Chinese forces, including ramming Philippine Coast Guard vessels, using water cannons to block supply missions, and intercepting Philippine aircraft.
The South China Sea has long been a flashpoint, with China laying claim to nearly the entire area based on the so-called “nine-dash line,” despite international legal rulings invalidating their claims. The Philippines, as well as other claimants such as Vietnam and Malaysia, have continuously raised concerns over China’s territorial ambitions and military buildup in disputed waters.
The exercises, therefore, take on a greater significance, as they serve not only to enhance military readiness but also to demonstrate solidarity in the face of Chinese aggression. The message is clear: the U.S. and its allies are committed to supporting the Philippines and ensuring freedom of navigation and regional stability in one of the world’s most contested maritime regions.
Located on the west coast of Luzon, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila, Subic Bay has long been a strategic point for naval operations. It was once the site of a major U.S. naval base that operated for nearly a century before it was handed over to the Philippine government in the 1990s. Today, as tensions with China escalate, Subic Bay is again emerging as a key player in regional security.
Since reopening Subic Harbor for military use in 2022, the Philippines has significantly enhanced its naval capabilities, taking advantage of the bay’s deep waters and strategic proximity to contested areas in the South China Sea, such as Scarborough Shoal. In a historic move, the Philippine Navy leased a 300-hectare shipyard in Subic Bay, previously owned by Hanjin Heavy Industries, for an annual fee of P1.1 billion. The site has become critical for the repair, maintenance, and deployment of the Philippine fleet, marking an essential upgrade in Manila’s ability to defend its territorial waters.
Subic Bay’s importance in regional military strategy is only set to grow. Plans are underway to develop a new forward operating base in Subic Bay that would enhance the Philippines’ capability for aerial reconnaissance and force projection. In June, reports surfaced that the Philippine Air Force was moving forward with establishing an airbase at Subic Bay airport capable of supporting surveillance and combat aircraft. This move is widely seen as a direct response to China’s growing military presence in the region.
Last month, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. confirmed that a larger military base was being planned at Subic Bay, adding that the base could be operational by 2028. Teodoro indicated that this new base would be much larger than the current Philippine Navy installation in the area, providing a significant boost to Manila’s military capacity.
While the Sama Sama exercises are not intended to antagonize China, the timing and location underscore the strategic importance of the event. The U.S. has a vested interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and preventing any one nation—particularly China—from dominating the region. As the Philippines’ treaty ally under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States is obligated to come to Manila’s defense in case of an armed attack, a fact that both nations have reaffirmed in the face of Chinese provocations.
The growing participation of other nations, including Australia, Canada, France, and Japan, further highlights the broader regional concern over China’s ambitions. Japan, in particular, has a significant interest in maintaining stability in the South China Sea, given its reliance on the waterway for vital trade routes. Japan’s involvement in Sama Sama demonstrates its readiness to play a more active role in regional security beyond its immediate neighborhood.
As the U.S. continues to shift its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific, exercises like Sama Sama are becoming an integral part of maintaining a robust presence in the region. The drills send a clear message to China that any attempt to alter the status quo through coercion or force will be met with a coordinated response from regional allies.
The next two weeks of high-intensity drills under Sama Sama will undoubtedly showcase the combined capabilities of the participating nations. But beyond the tactical maneuvers, the exercise serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding regional security. As the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly complex, exercises like Sama Sama are crucial for building trust, strengthening alliances, and ensuring peace in a region where tensions remain high.
With an eye on China’s growing influence, the U.S. and its allies are poised to deepen their defense partnerships, demonstrating a united front in the face of potential threats. Whether through naval drills, strategic basing agreements, or coordinated diplomatic efforts, the message remains the same: the Indo-Pacific will not be dominated by any one power.
