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Philippines - U.S. Marines joined together with members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force Oct. 8 to conduct a staff planning exercise as part of the bilateral Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013 at Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon.
The purpose of the STAFFEX is to prepare U.S. and Philippine forces for bilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief by basing classes, discussion groups and planning around a typhoon scenario.
“Today was the first official day of PHIBLEX. We are conducting a staff exercise together with Navy Forces West, in order to determine how we would respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief issues.” said Lt. Col. Rob Legowski the operations officer for the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
The training today offered the participants classes on disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. It gave both the U.S. and Philippine forces a positive learning experience that builds on the already strong relationship the countries have shared for over 60 years.
“Staff Exercises are extremely important for conducting future operations,” said Legowski. “They enable us to get to know who we are partnering with, determine the best way to task-organize, and understand each others' capabilities in response to a crisis.”
In case of a crisis, such as the typhoon scenario used during STAFFEX, it is critical that both nations understand each others capabilities and strengths. This STAFFEX is an opportunity to do this before disaster strikes.
“This exercise will help prepare our staff officers for a natural disaster or crisis,” said Capt. Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, the deputy commander of Naval Forces West. “We are learning a lot by working hand-in-hand with U.S. forces.”
Working together now, before a real crisis, allows both military forces to break cultural barriers, train together and improve interoperability.
“Through this training we have developed great partnerships and relationships with all the senior leaders and staff of Navy Forces West,” said Legowski.
| Date Taken: | 10.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 10.12.2012 02:41 |
| Story ID: | 96045 |
| Location: | PH |
| Web Views: | 239 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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