5,500 US troops join 'Balikatan'
SUBIC Bay Freeport — About 5,500 United States sailors and marines arrived yesterday here to participate in Exercise Balikatan 2006 from February 20 to March 5.
The US contingent are members of the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group and the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Exercise Balikatan 2006, the 22nd in the annual Philippines-U.S. bilateral combined exercises, will be held simultaneously in Cebu, Luzon and Jolo, Sulu.
"Balikatan demonstrates our commitment to advise, train, and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine government and consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement," said Capt. Mark E. Donahue, Commodore Amphibious Squadron Eleven, Task Group Commander of the Forward Deployed ARG.
This exercise will be structured to further develop the AFP in crisis action planning, enhancing its ability to effectively conduct counter-terrorism operations, and promote interoperability between participating countries.
Exercise Balikatan 2006 will be conducted in three phases: humanitarian and civic assistance in Jolo; a combined task force staff exercise in Cebu and cross training and field training exercises in Luzon.
The ARG ships consisting of USS Essex (LHD2), USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) will serve as operating platforms for various naval maneuvers and amphibious operations.
Johnny R. Reblando - Peoples Journal
The US contingent are members of the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group and the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Exercise Balikatan 2006, the 22nd in the annual Philippines-U.S. bilateral combined exercises, will be held simultaneously in Cebu, Luzon and Jolo, Sulu.
"Balikatan demonstrates our commitment to advise, train, and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine government and consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement," said Capt. Mark E. Donahue, Commodore Amphibious Squadron Eleven, Task Group Commander of the Forward Deployed ARG.
This exercise will be structured to further develop the AFP in crisis action planning, enhancing its ability to effectively conduct counter-terrorism operations, and promote interoperability between participating countries.
Exercise Balikatan 2006 will be conducted in three phases: humanitarian and civic assistance in Jolo; a combined task force staff exercise in Cebu and cross training and field training exercises in Luzon.
The ARG ships consisting of USS Essex (LHD2), USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) will serve as operating platforms for various naval maneuvers and amphibious operations.
Johnny R. Reblando - Peoples Journal
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