U.S. Transportation Command spokesperson Navy Capt. John Fage provided the following readout:
On June 5, Air Force Gen. Randall Reed, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, made his inaugural visit to the Philippines as part of a multi-week trip to the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit, Reed met with Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson to discuss the countries’ enduring bilateral military relationship, increasing logistics cooperation, and the importance in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The leaders also discussed the broader diplomatic framework guiding defense coordination. The talks included the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which allows U.S. forces to rotate through select Philippine military bases.
Reed paid his respects at a wreath laying ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery, where more than 17,000 American service members and 500 Philippine Scouts are buried. According to the American Battle Monuments Commission’s website, it is “the largest of all American overseas military cemeteries, occupying over 150 acres.”
The Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951, commits both nations to aid each other in case of armed conflict. The United States also designated the Republic of the Philippines as a major non-NATO ally since 2003.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2025 10:19 |
| Story ID: | 499726 |
| Location: | PH |
| Web Views: | 26 |
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