USCG Midgett and PCG BRP Melchora Aquino Conduct 5-Day Joint Maritime Presence Operations Near Scarborough Shoal (May 28-31)

US Coast Guard cutter Midgett (WMSL-757, National Security Cutter, approximately 4,500 tons, 127m length) and Philippine Coast Guard cutter BRP Melchora Aquino conducted five-day joint maritime presence operations near Scarborough Shoal from May 28 to May 31, 2026. The joint patrol arrived as China simultaneously deployed a 16+ vessel CCG-militia dual-ring perimeter around Scarborough Shoal on May 31, creating a direct allied counter-presence to China's escalatory maritime posture. USCG Midgett is one of the USCG's largest operational cutters; its deployment to Scarborough reflects the 2023 expansion of US-Philippines bilateral defense guidelines covering coast guard vessels under the Mutual Defense Treaty. The five-day bilateral coast guard operations near Scarborough represent the most direct and sustained allied presence at the disputed feature concurrent with an active Chinese force buildup, directly challenging China's claim of exclusive authority over the shoal's surrounding waters. The operation was conducted alongside Philippine forces as China maintained its unanswered 'marine nature reserve' designation at Scarborough (DFA protest filed May 11) and amid the ongoing Day 25 Xiang Yang Hong 33 standoff near Pag-asa Island.