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A U.S. Marine demonstrates an MK-19 automatic grenade launcher to Philippine soldiers during BALIKATAN.

Amphibious Operations

In another exercise event, U.S. Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) embarked on the beaches at Marine Base Ternate (MBT) in Cavite Province to support Exercise BALIKATAN 2002-02.

The U.S. Marines operated as Task Force Eagle. Commanded by Maj. Michael T. Johnson, the task force had nearly 400 service members from the MEU SOC’s ground combat, combat service support, and command elements. Other Marine units providing support were the 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Aircraft Group-36, and 3rd Force Service Support Group.

The Philippine Marine Corps units included the Marine Battalion Landing Team, Combat Ground Element Ternate, and Combat Ground Element Magsaysay.

The Philippine and U.S. forces conducted a wide array of training at MBT, including live-fire and maneuver exercises, demolition training, close quarter combat, patrolling, jungle training, martial arts training, mechanized training, and combat service support cross training.