Service members attached to the Okinawa-based Marine Aircraft Group 36 and personnel representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines gathered, Oct. 30, in a ceremony to formally close Exercise Talon Vision.
During Talon Vision, U.S. and Filipino forces worked together during bilateral training and civic action projects with the goal of promoting friendship and military cooperation between the two countries.
"During Talon Vision, we realized our overall objective of improving the Philippine community," said Philippine Air Force Col. Alexander Bote, the Philippine Air Force Talon Vision director. "We gave meaning to the old saying 'in unity there is strength' and built a stronger bond between our two nations."
Talon Vision was focused mainly in two areas in the Philippines, Clark Air Base, where MAG-36 was headquartered, and the Laguna province.
From Clark Air Base, Marine pilots from MAG-36 and Philippine Air Force pilots flew over 460 sorties and logged 974 flight hours. During these flights, the pilots and aircrews conducted defensive air combat training, aerial delivery practice, air to ground training and several other tactical training flights.
South of Manila, in the province of Laguna, Marines and sailors with MAG-36 worked alongside AFP forces to complete 12 civic action projects designed to improve the quality of life for residents in the impoverished area.
In his closing remarks, Marine Col. Ben Mathews II, the commanding officer of MAG-36, said that in addition to helping the residents of Laguna, the service members involved learned new ideas that they would take home with them.
"These projects were conducted under very trying conditions due to the weather and environment of the area," said Mathews. "This provided a spectacular training venue for the Marines, sailors and (AFP) soldiers involved. More important, however, is the impact on the community. These projects will provide a safer and cleaner environment for the people of Laguna."
Mathews said that the time MAG-36 spent in the Philippines, working side by side with the AFP, was very fulfilling and that he looks forward to working with them again in the future.