FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, Republic of the Philippines -- Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marines held a closing ceremony Oct. 11 to conclude Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014 at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Republic of the Philippines.
Bilateral training throughout PHIBLEX 14 ensures that Philippine and U.S. forces are capable of integrating effectively to conduct humanitarian assistance and regional security missions.
“Our units are now more capable of responding where our services are needed,” said Maj. Gen. Romeo T. Tanalgo, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. “It has also strengthened the bond, partnership and friendship of the Philippines and U.S. We cherish and value the learning that took place throughout PHIBLEX 14. We look forward to more close training together in the future.”
Throughout PHIBLEX 14, Philippine and U.S forces executed a staff exercise, small-boat operations training, combined-arms training, close-air support training, combat lifesaving classes, flight mission planning, convoy operations and casualty evacuations training, all bilaterally.
“Forces from the ground combat elements conducted squad competitions, machine gun and rocket ranges,” said Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy, the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general. “This truly improved our interoperability and combat readiness. They also exchanged jungle warfare survival techniques, learning together, building a stronger partnership, and becoming friends. I was truly impressed by the professionalism and dedication shown at each of these sites.”
Not only did the AFP and U.S. forces execute field training together, they also conducted cooperative health engagements and engineering-civic assistance projects, building relationships with the communities in Legazpi City, Albay province.
“I have seen completed renovations of an elementary school where we worked together to improve the learning environment for grateful children,” said Kennedy. “In addition to this, members of the AFP, U.S. forces from 3rd MEB and members of the Philippine health organization conducted community health engagements at three different sites to treat more than 3,000 patients, while conducting medical classes and distributing needed goods to the community throughout PHIBLEX 14.”
PHIBLEX 14 left both the AFP and U.S. forces confident in the training and in their long-lasting partnership.
“I am extremely proud of all the hard work and committed efforts that made PHIBLEX 14 a success,” said Kennedy. “PHIBLEX 14 has strengthened the Philippine and U.S. bilateral ties, demonstrating our two nations’ commitment to mutual security. I am confident that training together has improved our readiness in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief situations and regional contingencies. I am looking forward to future engagements in the Philippines.”
To see related video, visit www.youtube.com/PHIBLEX.