Photo By Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks | Philippine Marine Sgt. Edilberto Amdongano (right) assaults a range on Oct. 22, 2008,...... read more read more
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By Ryan Wicks
III Marine Expeditionary Force
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES — U.S. and Philippine service members who participated in this year's Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise gathered for a short ceremony on Oct. 27, 2008, to commemorate the end of the two exercises.
The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade controlled the U.S. participation in the two bilateral exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, conducting numerous medical and dental civil action projects as well as combat training events.
The combat training balanced an exchange of information between both services, including training in martial arts, knife fighting, jungle warfare, squad tactics, boat raids, combat lifesaving, rappelling and other types of field skills.
Simultaneously, AFP and U.S. service members worked together to bring medical and dental care to the Philippine people, conducting more than 18 medical and dental civil action projects while providing assistance to about 12,000 people. Service members also conducted more than 14 bilateral community relations events benefiting more than 8,000 students.
It is these types of accomplishments that prompted senior leaders to highlight the successes of the exercises.
"It is apparent we achieved our goal of enhancing interoperability between our two armed forces," said Philippine Marine Brig. Gen. Natalio C. Ecarma, deputy commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.
"This exercise definitely enhanced our war-fighting skills, and we hope [the U.S. Marines] learned as much as we did."
Ecarma's comments were echoed by U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force.
"Bilateral training helps improve the ability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries to respond to natural disasters," Zilmer said. "Therefore, it is vital we continue to improve readiness and military interoperability through bilateral military exercises such as these.
To the people of the Philippines, thank you for welcoming us here and allowing us to work together. Maraming Salamat Kaibigan [Thank you, friends.]"
Talon Vision, led by the Philippine Air Force and Marine Aircraft Group 36, and Amphibious Landing Exercise, lead by the Philippine Marine Corps and the
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are annual bilateral training exercises which enhance military interoperability and improve communities through humanitarian and civil action projects.
The exercises were conducted Oct. 15-27.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.06.2008 21:12 |
| Story ID: | 26028 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 277 |
| Downloads: | 152 |
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