Asia Pacific Defense Forum Winter 2002

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo introduces her staff to Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, during her Hawaii visit in October 2002

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo introduces Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, to her staff during her Hawaii visit in October 2002.

This Winter 2002-2003 issue of the Asia-Pacific Defense FORUM provides a glimpse of the important events intended to strengthen security in the Asia-Pacific region. Combined exercises, simulations, and real-world actions demonstrate the region’s focus on security cooperation.

A prime example, COBRA GOLD represents one of the finest multinational exercises. Hundreds of leaders inspire the actions of a task force comprising thousands of troops, who train to meet current threats in our region. COBRA GOLD is timely, proactive, and relevant in achieving necessary training goals for today’s security environment. In terms of testing and developing the participating leadership, the exercise represents a standard for measuring other exercises.

The 31st Annual Pacific Area Senior Officer Logistics Seminar (PASOLS XXXI) provided senior logistics officers from throughout the region another opportunity to advance regional cooperation. This annual conference attests to the commitment of the region’s logisticians to facilitate seamless and enduring mutual logistics support. Each year, we witness the commitment of our region’s leaders by their participation, enthusiasm, and contribution of new ideas and capabilities.

Exercise BALIKATAN has long symbolized what is positive about our bilateral exercises, demonstrating the strength of security relations between the U.S. and the Philippines. BALIKATAN 2002-02 was no exception. Not only does this recurring exercise afford our combined forces the opportunity to train for contingency operations, but also allows the military personnel of both nations to prove the important relationship between military action and civil action while providing medical and dental aid and assisting in such projects as building schools, constructing wells, and improving roads. The leaders of both countries routinely praise the efforts and results of these well-established humanitarian events.