COLONEL ERNESTO P. RAVINA AIR BASE, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Armed Forces came together to conduct a combined arms final exercise, the culminating live fire training event of exercise KAMANDAG 3 at Colonel Ernesto P. Ravina Air Base, Philippines, 17 Oct. 2019.
During the FINEX, Philippine and U.S. Marines simulated a bilateral assault involving infantry, light armored vehicles, artillery and close air support. The purpose of the drill was to enhance combined capabilities and cooperation. The drill marked the conclusion of more than one week’s worth of combined drills, rehearsals and exchanges throughout exercise KAMANDAG.
“Working this closely with a partner nation, and succeeding, is a good thing,” said Philippine Marine Staff Sgt. Jungie Torres, an assistant gunner with 17th Marine Company, Field Artillery Battalion. “We enjoy doing this every year, because it means we’ll know how to work well together when it matters.”
Events such as FINEX help participating forces maintain a high level of readiness and responsiveness, and enhance combined military-to-military relations, interoperability, and multinational coordination. Training efforts between the AFP and the U.S. military ensure that the combined forces are ready to rapidly respond to crises across the full range of military operations, from conflict to natural disasters.
“KAMANDAG is one of the biggest exercises we do together, and FINEX specifically provides the opportunity to prove we can coordinate with our partners in response to crises,” said U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr., 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general. “America’s greatest enduring strength is our network of allies and partners, and our ability to work, train, and improve our capabilities together helps us be ready for anything.”
KAMANDAG 3 is a Philippine-led, bilateral exercise. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Manirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and Philippine militaries.
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.22.2019 02:58 |
| Story ID: | 347993 |
| Location: | PH |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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