06/17/2013: U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, Landing Support Company practice transporting a quadcon container, utilizing the MV-22 Osprey attached with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron at Subic Bay, Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines, April 8, 2013, in support of exercise Freedom Banner 2013.
According to a press release on April 5, 2013:
More than 8,000 combined Philippine and U.S. personnel will participate in the exercise, which will take place at various locations throughout Luzon. The exercise will consist of humanitarian civic assistance projects, senior leader engagements, a command post exercise, field training exercises, and maritime security and ship drills to enhance Philippine-U.S. military interoperability and build military-to-military relations.
During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Thomas noted the strong cooperation between the Philippine and U.S. militaries in the aftermath of super-typhoon Pablo four months ago. “Through that tragedy, we saw the best of our partnership,” he said. “Members of the U.S. Armed Forces were here in the Philippines planning for this Balikatan exercise when Pablo began its destruction. Within seven hours of the request from the Philippine Government to assist with the typhoon relief, the first U.S. aircraft arrived here in Manila to begin rescue operations,” said Ambassador Thomas…..
Balikatan 2013 is hosted annually in the Philippines. The exercise characterizes the longstanding Philippine-U.S. partnership, deeply rooted in cooperation and a shared commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty. Balikatan 2013 is scheduled to conclude on April 17.
http://manila.usembassy.gov/balikatan2013kickoff.html
[slidepress gallery=’balikatan-2013-exercise’]
Credit:Exercise Balikatan 2013: 4/8/13