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Foreword

Northeast Asia Engagement ::

People's Republic of China and U.S. Forces Enhancing Maritime Safety Throughout the Asia-Pacific Region

Proliferation Security Initiative Activities Attract International Interest

Cooperative Understanding ::

Cambodia-U.S. Navies Conduct Historic Exchange

Regional Response Forces ::

Indian, Canadian and U.S. Forces Partner for a Safer Asia-Pacific Region

RIMPAC 2006:
Fostering Regional Peace and Security

Philippine-U.S. Forces Building Interoperability and Goodwill

Happenings ::

Happenings

Conclusion
U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Joseph V. Medina, the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, provided his views of the exercises. “TALON VISION and the Amphibious Landing Exercise have been a success, and they have contributed much to the training of both nations,” he said. “We have established a stronger bond and relationship between the militaries of our two nations. Whether it was bilateral training in the littoral areas, coastal patrol interdiction with the Philippine Navy and Marine Corps, close air support with the Philippine Air Force, jungle environment survival training, live-fire exercises, or civil-military operations, our forces have demonstrated the team concept throughout.”

Philippine Air Force Brig. Gen. Gilbert Llanto, the wing commander of the 600th Air Base, praised the troops for their efforts. “I’d like to congratulate all the participants and planners of both PHILBEX and TALON VISION for what I believe is a job well done. I’m sure you have achieved the objectives of the exercise, which is the enhancement of the interoperability of our nations’ two armed forces through the sharing of doctrines and standard operating procedures and also developing tactics and techniques for future bilateral efforts.”

Commenting on the humanitarian projects during the exercises, Brig. Gen. Llanto said, “What I do appreciate ... is the conduct of a series of civic action and community relations activities that promoted goodwill between the U.S. armed forces and the Filipino community. This also goes to show that our forces could respond not only to defense callings as exhibited by the conduct of this exercise, but are also capable of providing humanitarian assistance to the less fortunate inhabitants in these communities.”

“This year’s exercise was significant not just from a bilateral training standpoint, but also the work done in the barangays [villages] with the Filipino people that made their lives a little better – and better suited our combined navies to continue improving our mutual friendship,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Anthony J. Pachuta, task group commander of the 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 residents.”

While forces of both nations were appreciative of the training, personnel welcomed the bonds that were a result of that training. “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 Lt. j.g. Denz Jolom. “I think the personal and professional ties that are formed are the most important things that come from exercises such as these.”

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