Parachutes, relationships bloom during PHIBLEX

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Valle | Marines with 9th Air Support Company, prepare the KC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft for parachute operations training at Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 20. The training is designed to allow U.S. Marines and their Filipino counterparts to work together to distribute supplies to remote locations not accessible by other means.  

CLARK AIR BASE, PHILIPPINES

10.20.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Valle 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CLARK AIR BASE, Republic of the Philippines – Marines with 9th Air Support Company, conducted parachute operations training with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines here Oct. 20.

The training was part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2012, a bilateral training exercise between the AFP and U.S. military, and is designed to increase interoperability, operational readiness and enhance security cooperation throughout the region.

During this year's exercise, more than 2000 members of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and their Filipino counterparts are participating in a variety of training evolutions including live-fire maneuvers and amphibious operations.

Aircraft used for the training was KC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152. Once airborne and over the designated target, several pallets were released from the rear of the plane, followed by individual service members.

Each was conducted at altitudes of approximately 1,300 feet.

The bilateral parachute operations training allows U.S. and AFP personnel to work together to distribute supplies effectively to remote locations not accessible through other means.

Having the ability to practice this unique skill set is very important to the Okinawa-based service members participating in the exercise because it is something they cannot do as frequently in Japan, according to Gunnery Sgt. Tammy A. Belleville, a Riverside, Calif. native and parachute operations chief supporting the brigade.

Conducting air delivery as well as parachute operations is very important training for these Marines, according to Sgt. George W. Gordon, air delivery specialist and native of Tampa, Fla.

“In this theater, we are involved in humanitarian assistance missions and we use air delivery as a way to transport much-needed supplies if the routes on the ground are too damaged.”

Training in the Republic of the Philippines also allows Marines to build a stronger relationship with their Filipino counterparts, Gordon added.

Building camaraderie is one of the major takeaways from PHIBLEX, according Gordon.

“(The exercise) allows us to work and train hand-in-hand with each other,” said Gordon.

For additional stories and photos, visit www.facebook.com/exercisephiblex.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2011
• Date Posted: 10.20.2011 21:24
• Story ID: 78790
• Location: CLARK AIR BASE, PH