US Pacific Fleet chief patrols West PH Sea in Manila visit

Photo from : US Pacific Fleet facebook account

AS part of his four-day visit in Manila, the new commander of the US Pacific Fleet participated in a surveillance mission on Saturday over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over competing maritime claims.

Admiral Scott Swift, in pictures released by the US Pacific Fleet, was seen aboard a P-8A Poseidon spy plane.

“As part of his visit to the Philippines this week, Admiral Scott Swift, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, took part in a seven-hour maritime surveillance mission over the South China Sea on Saturday to witness firsthand the full range of the P-8A Poseidon’s capabilities,” the US Pacific Fleet said in a statement.

The P-8A was described as “the most advanced long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface aircraft in the world.”

Last May, the United States deployed a P-8A spy plane in the West Philippine Sea to monitor the rebuilding activities of China in the disputed islands.

The spy plane was then challenged by the Chinese Navy to go away as it was approaching a “Chinese military zone.”

The plane flew 15,000 feet at its lowest level.

Swift was in the country from July 16 to 19.

Photo from : US Pacific Fleet facebook account

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