2013 Balikatan Exercise

[ManilaBoy45]

Philippines: 8,000 Soldiers to be Trained in Northern Luzon

By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
Published: 14:18 April 4, 2013

30 Vessels and 40 Aircrafts to Participate | GulfNews.com

Manila: A total of 40 aircraft from the United States and the Philippines, apart from a flotilla of US warships and Philippine Navy ships were deployed to aid 8,000 American and Filipino soldiers in their two-week humanitarian and disaster training in northern Luzon, sources said.

The training, to be held from April 5 to 17, was timely with North Korea’s declaration of war against South Korea and the US last week; and China’s aggression over other claimants in the South China Sea that began last year.

Fourteen of 20 US aircraft have already arrived at the former US Clark Air Base in Angeles, Pampanga. The rest of the US aircraft started arriving on Thursday, until April 8, Military spokesman Col Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said.

Also participating in the exercise are 20 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force and three Philippine Navy ships, one of which is a 40-year-old high-endurance cutter BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a Hamilton-class ship acquired from the US Coast Guard, are also participating in the exercise, said Burgos.

 

[ManilaBoy45]

The 29th Balikatan Exercise Kicks Off at Camp Aguinaldo

PIA | Philippine Information Agency | War Games Between PH-US Starts

MANILA, April 6, 2013 -- The 29th Balikatan military exercise between the Philippines and the United States formally started yesterday.

Among the officials present at the opening ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo were Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert Del Rosario, US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr, Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista.

More than 8,000 combined Philippine and U.S. personnel will participate in the exercise, which will take place at various locations throughout Luzon. The exercise will consist of humanitarian civic assistance projects, senior leader engagements, a command post exercise, field training exercises, and maritime security and ship drills to enhance Philippine-U.S. military interoperability and build military-to-military relations.

 

[Srinivas]

good news

 

[neehar]

any pics???

 

[Malaya]

Philippine, US Military Exercises Begin

U.S. Marine Brigadier General Richard Simcock (R) shakes hands with Philippines Armed Forces Major General Virgilio Domingo after the opening ceremony of annual Philippines-U.S. military exercise in Manila

MANILA — The United States and the Philippines began an annual joint military exercise Friday, involving some 8,000 troops training for disaster relief operations. The drills come at a time of high tension on the Korean peninsula and continuing maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario says the United States and the Philippines continue to strengthen their ties under a mutual defense treaty.

Fresh from a trip to Washington to meet with Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, del Rosario gave the keynote message Friday during opening ceremonies for the 12-day joint exercises aimed at humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training.

“These key officials have pledged to work with us to build our own capacity to defend ourselves. And defend ourselves, we will,” del Rosario said.

Del Rosario said the exercises called “Balikatan” or “Shoulder to Shoulder” come at a crucial time for the Philippines and the region. He says what he calls “excessive and exaggerated claims” by China of having “indisputable sovereignty” over practically the entire South China Sea have placed regional peace and stability “at serious risk.”

The Philippines and China are locked in a diplomatic fight over claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines is taking the matter to international arbitration - without China’s participation. Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have partial or entire claims to the sea.

Secretary Kerry said this week that the U.S. supports the Philippines’ arbitration bid and that the disputes have to be resolved with the rule of law. He also described the Philippines as one of the U.S.’ five allies in Asia.

With North Korea’s repeated threats of missile attacks against the United States, Del Rosario later told reporters the Philippines is concerned with Pyongyang's actions.

“I think as treaty allies if there is an attack, we should help one another, which is what the alliance is all about,” he said.

In recent years, U.S. military missions in the Pacific have increased refueling and maintenance visits to the Philippines.

Military officials from both countries say the Balikatan exercises this year are heavily focused on humanitarian and disaster management. This year’s drills include 12 [American] F-18 fighter jets, among the 30 aircraft taking part in exercises in Central Luzon, located in the northern region of the Philippine archipelago.

Philippine, US Military Exercises Begin

 

[Malaya]

 

[GR!FF!N]

post some pics/videos of this exercise..

 

[ManilaBoy45]

Philippines, US Air Forces Show Off Firepower at Clark

Balikatan Exercise Showcase Various Aircrafts from PAF and USAF

By Tonette Orejas in Clark Freeport/Philippine Daily Inquirer | Asia News Network – 20 hours ago

Clark Freeport (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - In a rare exhibit, the Philippine and United States armed forces taking part in this year's Balikatan military exercises on Saturday presented their aircraft for public viewing, turning the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) Haribon flight line in Clark Freeport into a large amusement park for children and civilians.

The display of air power was mounted to "let the people see what we are using," Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the Philippines' Balikatan exercise director, told reporters. Viewing was free.Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock II, head of flight training at Clark, said the Balikatan activities were "not directed at any particular country in the region."

"The exercises aim to improve our interoperability to enable us to address any crisis, manmade or natural," said Simcock, replying to an Inquirer question on whether adjustments had been made in Balikatan, in light of the tension between North and South Korea.

 

[Malaya]

Philippine Marine Staff Sgt. Renante Armamento, from Davao City , and Staff Sgt. Ernesto Elijan Jr., from Ternate Cavite, demonstrate defensive tactics technique to U.S. Marines during a martial arts bilateral expertise exchange at Crow Valley, Philippines, as part of Balikatan 2013, an annual bilateral training exercise currently in its 29th iteration. BK13 is designed to enhance interoperability between both forces and strengthen military-to-military relations. (Photo by US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn)

Craining off a MKR-15 at Subic Port during the deployment phase of BK-13. Chris Meo 2013

CAMP O’DONNELL, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines Marines conduct tactical drills April 7 during convoy operations training at Camp O’Donnell, Philippines, as part of exercise Balikatan 2013. BK13 is an annual bilateral exercise in its 29th iteration, which provides a venue for AFP and U.S. military forces to develop and continue to enhance interoperability across a wide range of military actions. “The Marines went over convoy operations regarding logistics,” said U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Stephen M. Rondone, the officer in charge of SMU customer service, Logistics Regiments 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “They received instruction regarding vehicle recovery, resupply missions, responding to near and far ambushes, and dismount and mounted integration.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Courtney G. White/Released)

A U.S. Marine of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment talks to his Philippine counterparts before the start of a Squad Attack drill during a Philippines-U.S. military exercise dubbed as "Balikatan" (shoulder to shoulder) at the military reservation camp Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac in Northern Philippines REUTERS/Erik De Castro

U.S. Marines of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion 10th Marine Regiment and their counterparts from the Philippines prepare to fire a 155mm Howitzer, as part of a Philippines-U.S. military exercise dubbed as "Balikatan" (shoulder to shoulder) at the military reservation camp Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac in Northern Philippines

U.S. Marines and their counterparts from the Philippines walk towards a shelter to take a short break during a Philippines-U.S. military exercise dubbed as "Balikatan" (shoulder to shoulder) at the military reservation camp Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac in Northern Philippines

 

[Malaya]

Philippine Marines walk towards a training ground to take part in a Squad Attack drill during a Philippines-U.S. military exercise dubbed as "Balikatan" (shoulder to shoulder) at the military reservation camp Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac in Northern Philippines

U.S. Marines of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment, and their Philippine Marine counterparts gear up before the start of a Squad Attack live fire drill, during a Philippines-U.S. military exercise dubbed as "Balikatan" (shoulder to shoulder) at a military reservation camp Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac

Philippine Marines hold their weapons during a rehearsal for a Squad Attack live fire drill, as part of a Philippines-U.S. military exercise dubbed as "Balikatan" (shoulder to shoulder)

U.S. Marines of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion 10th Marine Regiment, ride on military trucks as they tow their 155mm Howitzers during a Philippines-U.S. military exercise dubbed as "Balikatan" (shoulder to shoulder) at a military reservation camp Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac in Northern Philippines.

 

[Malaya]

PH, US air forces show off firepower at Clark
By Tonette Orejas
Inquirer Central Luzon
April 14th, 2013

CLARK FREEPORT—In a rare exhibit, the Philippine and United States armed forces taking part in this year’s Balikatan military exercises on Saturday presented their aircraft for public viewing, turning the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Haribon flight line here into a large amusement park for children and civilians.

The display of air power was mounted to “let the people see what we are using,” Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the Philippines’ Balikatan exercise director, told reporters. Viewing was free.

Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock II, head of flight training at Clark, said the Balikatan activities were “not directed at any particular country in the region.”

“The exercises aim to improve our interoperability to enable us to address any crisis, manmade or natural,” said Simcock, replying to an Inquirer question on whether adjustments had been made in Balikatan, in light of the tension between North and South Korea.

Domingo said he was not sure if this was the first time an exhibit of this kind was staged under Balikatan, which is being conducted here for the 29th time.

Balikatan had been a periodic military exercise until the Philippine Senate rejected on Sept. 16, 1991, the 1947 Philippine-US military bases agreement.

The Balikatan resumed when the Senate approved the Visiting Forces Agreement in 1999.

Balikatan camps, however, are off-limits to reporters and civilians.

The US Marine Corps put on display an F-18 fighter jet, also known as a Hornet, an MV-22 transport plane, also called Osprey, and the KC-130 carrier.

On the Philippine side were displayed an UH-1H (Huey), an MG-520 attack helicopter, the trainer aircraft SF-260 and S-211, and the light attack turboprop OV-10 (Bronco).

Najal Flores, one of 80 students at Tacondo Elementary School in Barangay Margot in Angeles City, scampered from one aircraft to another.

Showcase for kids

“It’s their first time and they’re excited,” said Arsenia Mallare, the teacher who accompanied them to the exhibit.

Their unofficial tour guide, Technical Sgt. Ilinda Johnson, said it was not a problem showing the kids around the military hardware in the sweltering heat.

Cadet Maj. Rhea Andaya, a business administration student at the University of the Philippines, said she appreciated the exhibit. She said that because the Balikatan had been “clouded by issues,” the exhibit helped explain what the US forces were doing in the country.

“You can see the assurance of readiness of the PAF,” said Andaya, who was with 10 first class cadets of her school’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

US Marine pilot Capt. Brian Radler found himself swamped with questions from the students. “What does your F-18 jet do? How far does it go? These were the stuff of queries I got,” said Radler, who arrived on Thursday for the Balikatan.

Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya, PAF Balikatan director at Clark, said the joint training was “not about modern or old (aircraft).”

“In terms of procedures and doctrines, we are pretty much the same,” said Canaya. “This gives our Filipino pilots the opportunity to gain more knowledge on how the US operates. We learn techniques and tactics. Our pilots benefit from the exchange.”

Domingo admitted that the PAF aircraft were not at all sophisticated compared to the US air fleet. “But the aircraft we have does service for our armed forces,” he said.

Simcock said the United States was not making a permanent presence in the Philippines. “We have a rotational presence for interoperability,” he said.

According to him, the Balikatan “gives exceptional training day and night, and air to ground.”

 

[Malaya]

 

[Malaya]

Filipino soldiers fire a 105mm Howitzer during a live fire drill as part of a joint military exercise in Tarlac Province, the Philippines, April 12, 2013. The Philippines and the U.S. held their 29th annual joint military exercise with at least 8,000 American and Filipino soldiers participating in the training. The joint military exercise, more known as Balikatan, which means "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Filipino.

American and Filipino soldiers jump in front of the MV-22 Osprey as they share a light moment during an aircraft static display as part of a joint military exercise in Pampanga Province, the Philippines, April 13, 2013.

A pilot disembarks from a U.S. MV-22 Osprey during a joint military exercise in Tarlac Province, the Philippines.

U.S. marines ride their amphibious armored vehicle during a joint military exercise

Children watch an F/A-18 Hornet jet as it prepares to take off during an aircraft static display as part of a joint military exercise in Pampanga Province, the Philippines, April 13, 2013.

U.S. marines march during a joint military exercise in Tarlac Province, the Philippines.

 

[USAHawk785]

Nice ! Daddy's Home...

 

[Malaya]

PH-US Balikatan 2013 ends
Posted at 04/17/2013

MANILA, Philippines -- The joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States called "Balikatan 2013" officially closed Wednesday.

Some 8,000 Filipino and American troops participated in the war games.

Balikatan exercise director Major General Virgilio Domingo said more than war readiness, the training also focused on humanitarian missions and disaster response.

Lieutenant General Terry Robling, commander of the US Marine Forces Pacific, said natural calamities are 25 percent more likely to happen in Asia than in any other parts of the world.

The two officials also said both countries are ready to assist each other amid North Korea's war posturing.

"This Balikatan is a test of how we can work together shoulder to shoulder... This will allow us to work together against any emergency that we may face, both of our countries may face," Domingo said.

Robling said, "A better partnership we have in all things, events, foreign investment, businesses, tourism, those kind of things, the better partners we are, this sends a signal to the rest of the countries in the world and most specifically in the Asia Pacific that as a coalition we are stronger together."

ANC Dateline Philippines, April 17, 2013