Essex ARG Completes Training

Navy News by Mass Comm. Spec. 3rd Class Adam R. Cole
PAMPANGA, Republic of the Philippines - Two weeks of bilateral training and community relations projects as part of Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007 came to a conclusion Oct. 28, as both United States and Philippine forces came together in an official closing ceremony at the Air Force City Officers Club here.

The two exercises, which began Oct. 16 and ran concurrently, partnered 5,700 U.S. and 1,300 Philippine military personnel for two weeks of training at the Philippine islands of Luzon and Palawan in order to increase interoperability between the two forces.

Of the sea-based highlights, ships of USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) provided the platform for an amphibious landing, as well as visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training, and deck landing qualifications (DLQs). USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) provided a significant medical boost to the Filipino people of Zamboanga and outlying areas by completing the delivery of five ambulances and $80,000 of medical supplies with the help of 3P (Promotion of Peace and Prosperity in the Philippines) Foundation USA and Project Handclasp.

“This year’s exercise was significant not just from a bilateral training standpoint, but the work done in the barangays (villages) with the Filipino people made their lives a little better. [The exercise also] better suited our combined navies to continue improving our mutual friendship,” said Capt. Anthony J. Pachuta, Commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11 and Task Group Commander of Essex ARG. “I am very pleased with the mutual operations conducted between the United States and Philippine Navy and Marine Corps. This bilateral exercise not only developed stronger professional ties with our two militaries. It also affords us the opportunity to demonstrate goodwill to local communities by conducting community relations projects and providing medical and dental treatment in remote areas where this kind of treatment is well received by the local communities.”

Essex ARG conducted split ARG operations for most of the exercises in conjunction with USS Stethem (DDG 63). Essex, the flagship of the Essex ARG, with embarked Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 265, primarily supported Talon Vision in Luzon while USS Juneau (LPD 10) and Harpers Ferry worked in the vicinity of Palawan. Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit worked ashore in a number of mission areas throughout the duration of the exercises.

Forces of both nations were appreciative of the training, and of the resulting bonds.

“This is my fifth time working with the U.S. Navy, and it is always great because we learn so much from each other,” said Philippine Navy Aircraft Commander, Lt. j.g. Denz Jolom. Jolom and other pilots from Multipurpose Helicopter Squadron (HM) 40, Naval Air Group, Philippine Naval Base Cavite conducted DLQs on the Essex flight deck. “I think the personal and professional ties that are formed are the most important thing that comes from exercises such as these.”

Community service projects were conducted by all three ships. Juneau Sailors went to Inagawan High School and Harpers Ferry Sailors went to Pasobolong Elementary, both in Palawan. Essex Sailors visited Gordon Heights II Elementary School in Olongapo City, near Subic Bay. All three projects gave a facelift to the schools and smiles to the kids there.

“I’m so grateful to the [U.S.] soldiers, Harpers Ferry and America for their continuous support of this school,” said Pasobolong Elementary principal, Luelda Wee Mabalot.

Sailors who participated in the projects were happy to make a difference in the Philippines.

“I feel really good that we contributed. The little that we did today will go a long way," said Damage Controlman 1st Class Gregory James Hightower Sr., of Harpers Ferry. "It was obvious from looking at the faces of the children that they were excited to see the Sailors helping their school and playing games with them, and every Sailor who attended had nothing but positive comments on the experience."

Essex Amphibious Ready Group is the Navy’s only forward-deployed ARG and serves under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76. Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.