The Pentagon has revealed the existence of a forward-deployed task force in the Philippines focused on supporting Manila’s maritime operations in the South China Sea.  Task Force-Ayungin, composed of American service members and named after the Philippine designation for Second Thomas Shoal,

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III  bared the existence of a “U.S. Task Force Ayungin” amid West Philippine Sea tensions.

The group was made official mid-2024 — following the violent attack by the China Coast Guard on Philippine soldiers during a June 17 resupply mission to the shoal

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III disclosed the existence of a “U.S. Task Force Ayungin” as they reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to support Manila in its West Philippine Sea disputes with Beijing.

National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said on Thursday the United States Task Force Ayungin only provides support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines operations in Ayungin Shoal.

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin IIIreveals the existence of a "US Task Force Ayungin" as Washington continuously vows to prop-up Manila in its West Philippine Sea disputes with Beijing.