US Marine commandant’s visit highlights cooperation and partnership with AFP

THE commandant of the United States Marine Corps was in the country for two days over the weekend where he underscored the importance of the Us-philippines alliance and discussed engagements with local military officials.

General David Berger met with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, Navy chief Rear Admiral Adeluis Bordado and Philippines Marine Corps Commandantmaj.gen.arielcaculitan.

Berger is the third high-ranking American official to visit the country following the visit of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III more than a month ago as the two countries were observing the 70th year of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

Last month, Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-pacific Command, was also in the country where he strengthened the defense relations between the two countries and reaffirmed the US commitment to the security agreement.

A statement from the US Embassy said that Berger, during his meeting with military officials, emphasized the importance of the alliance in maintaining peace and stability in the region while improving interoperability to respond to crisis and contingencies.

Berger also discussed the “importance of realistic training between the US and Philippine Marine Corps” during his meeting with Caculitan, “highlighting future bilateral exercises such as Kamandag and Balikatan.”

“This is a very important trip for me to visit leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in person,” Berger said of his travel. “Our defense cooperation has been the cornerstone of 70 years of close and strengthening partnership.”

Meanwhile, the Navy’s Philippine Fleet began its four-day exercise “PAGBUBUKLOD” on Monday in Sangley Point, Cavite, whose goal is to harmonize the capabilities of fleet units with those of the Philippine Marine Corps, Naval Special Operations Command, Naval Combat Engineering Brigade and Naval Reserve Command.

“Specifically, the exercise will test and re-test the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures [TTP] of our Fleet-marine

Doctrine in addressing traditional and non-traditional threats affecting the naval operating environment,” said Commodore Renato David, deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet.

David said one of the goals of the exercise is also “the formulation and assessment of a Surface Action Group’s proficiency in conducting naval operations.”

Philippine Fleet spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Luna said that among the major exercises that will be held are the Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO with High Angle Sniping), Amphibious Air Support (AAS), Maritime Air Surveillance (MAS)/ Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Maritime Search and Rescue (MSAR), and High Risk Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (HRVBSS), Amphibious Assault/raid, Insertion/ Extraction, Amphibious Sealift, Tactical Sealift, Force Protection Capability, Support and Sustainment, Afloat Command and Control, Gunnery Exercise, Shipboard Helicopter Operations (HELOPS) and Casualty Evacuation Operation (CASEVAC).