Philippine airmen, U.S. Marines from Okinawa conduct jump ops

Photo By Lance Cpl. Joseph Cabrera | U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Deep Reconnaissance Platoon grasp their static lines as they wait to jump during parachute operations over the Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 18, 2008, during this year's bilateral training exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

10.31.2008

Story by Lance Cpl. Joseph Cabrera 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Joseph Cabrera
III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Aboard a KC-130, airmen from the Philippine Air Force's 710th Special Operations Wing, also known as the Sky Warriors, and U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Deep Reconnaissance Platoon, conducted parachute operations Oct. 18, 2008, during this year's bilateral training exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise.

For both sides, the main goal of the training was to improve proficiency and efficiency in conducting parachute operations, a skill which expands on the capabilities of both units. Additionally, the training gave both PAF and U.S. service members the opportunity to share techniques, share experiences and foster relationships.

"Any kind of real-world operation we would do with the Philippine armed forces, would be bilateral, so it's good to make friends," said DRP platoon sergeant U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. David Cole.

Parachute operations provide units with additional methods of insertion into an area, enhancing combat readiness.

"It is a tactical means of insertion, it increases our capabilities and it makes us more versatile," Cole said. "It pretty much allows us to get in anywhere."

For the Sky Warriors, the jump also satisfied quarterly proficiency training requirements in maintaining efficiency in parachute operations, said Capt. Erwin Hernaez, director of operations, Group 720, Special Operations Group, PAF.

Aside from the Sky Warriors receiving extra practice, they also received the opportunity to see equipment used by the DRP and learn more about their new parachute system.

"This training gave us insight on possibly procuring some equipment like the Marines' new chute system," Hernaez said.

According to Hernaez, the Armed Forces of the Philippines use an older, 'round' parachute system, whereas U.S. forces use a newer rectangular-shaped multimission parachute system.

The newer system is more maneuverable than the round one, providing mission critical capabilities which the round chute system does not have, said Sgt. Caleb Nehls, an assistant team leader with the DRP.

Aside from receiving crucial training and experience, both sides gained a better understanding of how their counterparts operate and they enjoyed the opportunity to train together.

"It's awesome to be able to integrate with people from different countries and learn how they do things," Nehls said.

Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise are designed to improve cooperation, increase readiness and continue professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2008
• Date Posted: 10.30.2008 21:39
• Story ID: 25755
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)