U.S. Marines display aircraft for Philippine Air Force families at PHIBLEX 14

Photo By Staff Sgt. Anne Henry | A family views U.S. Marine aircraft at Clark Air Field, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines Oct. 6 during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014. Aircraft on display included the KC-130J Hercules, MV-22B Osprey and AH-1W Super Cobra. PHIBLEX 14 ensures Philippine and U.S. forces are capable of integrating effectively to conduct humanitarian assistance and regional security missions. The aircraft are part of 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s aviation combat element. 3d MEB is part of III Marine Expeditionary Force. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anne K. Henry/RELEASED)  

CLARK AIR FIELD, PHILIPPINES

10.05.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Anne Henry 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CLARK AIR FIELD, PAMPANGA, Republic of the Philippines - U.S. Marines with the aviation combat element showcased aircraft at Clark Air Field, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines Oct. 5 during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014.

PHIBLEX 14 demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. and Philippines to mutual security and their long time partnership, while also ensuring that both forces are capable of integrating effectively to conduct humanitarian assistance and regional security missions.
Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ACE during PHIBLEX 14 consists of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron152, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 and Marine Air Control Squadron 4. Third MEB is part of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The display allowed Philippine Air Force members and their families a chance to view the KC-130J Hercules, MV-22B Osprey and AH-1W Super Cobra. Guests were allowed to tour the aircraft while U.S. Marines gave them information about their capabilities.

“This gives the members of the PAF the opportunity to bring their families and members of the community out here to see what the U.S. Marine Corps has to offer,” said U.S. Marine Col. John M. Peck, 3d MEB chief of staff. “We want to give back to a community that has been wonderful hosts over the years.”

The display offered time for the Marines and spectators to exchange ideas as well as goals.

“I feel that because of this training and the exchange of ideas, that our two countries will be prepared to work together,” said Jean-Paul Boquiren, an event spectator. “I feel that through PHIBLEX, our two countries will (continue to) work very well together.”

It is critical that both forces be able to respond rapidly to natural disasters, according to Peck.

“We are in our 63rd year of our alliance with the Philippines,” said Peck. “By routinely working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we increase our interoperability, allowing us to rapidly respond to regional contingencies.

“Training in different areas exposes us and our counterparts to the unique capabilities that each of our services provide, thereby increasing the overall capability of our forces should we be called upon to work together in the future,” he added.

The day left the spectators happy, looking forward to future experiences throughout PHIBLEX 14, according to Capt. Sean Walker, an AH-1W Super Cobra Pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167.

“We have been flying in this area for the past few weeks, so it was a pleasure to show the local population what we have to offer, up close and personal,” said Walker. “PHIBLEX 14 has been a positive experience for me and has definitely been something to learn from.”

• Date Taken: 10.05.2013
• Date Posted: 10.07.2013 03:40
• Story ID: 114833
• Location: CLARK AIR FIELD, PH
• Hometown: SANTA FE, NM, US