Pararescuemen take plunge during Balikatan 2012

Photo By Matthew McGovern | Philippine and U.S. pararescuemen execute a low altitude jump from a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules as part of Exercise Balikatan 2012. Together they performed a series of high and low-altitude jumps, April 20, with approximately 36 pararescueman from the Philippine Air Force’s 771st Special Operations Training Squadron and eight from the U.S. Air Force’s 320th Special Tactics Squadron. Exercise Balikatan is an annual training event aimed at improving combined planning, combat readiness, humanitarian assistance and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States.  

CLARK AIR BASE, PHILIPPINES

04.20.2012

Story by Tech. Sgt. Matthew McGovern 

Exercise Balikatan       

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines – Philippine and U.S. pararescuemen team up for a series of high and low-altitude jumps from a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules, April 20, as part of Exercise Balikatan 2012.

Approximately 36 pararescueman from the Philippine Air Force’s 771st Special Operations Training Squadron and eight from the U.S. Air Force’s 320th Special Tactics Squadron exchanged information and advice before completing jumps at 1,250 feet and 13,000 feet.

“(My counterparts) are really friendly and professional, and I feel a sense of camaraderie when we jump together; we share pointers and procedures,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Roman Decker, a pararescueman from the 320th STS.

His Philippine counterparts shared similar enthusiasm, and their jumpmaster, Philippine Air Force Staff Sgt. Ponce Rogelio Jr., who has a long history of working with U.S. service members, was excited at the prospect of working together again.

“We train together every year, and it’s great to learn any updates the U.S. has for us,” said Rogelio. “To team up and use the U.S. C-130 aircraft provides us with more opportunity to train with that aircraft.”

The combined pararescueman executed airborne operations with the goal of building friendship and trust during this year's Balikatan exercise.

“This is a great opportunity for us to work with our allies to learn from each other; it’s a blast for us,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. David Robertson, a C-130 Hercules pilot from the 353rd Special Operations Group.

Balikatan is an annual bilateral exercise focused on increasing interoperability, enhancing military-to-military relations and conducting humanitarian civic assistance projects.

• Date Taken: 04.20.2012
• Date Posted: 04.25.2012 14:24
• Story ID: 87327
• Location: CLARK AIR BASE, PH