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Children of the indigenous Aeta tribe in Crow Valley play with U.S. Navy Lt. Fremont-Smith during a community relations project by U.S. Marines and sailors.
Photo by LCpl. Shane A. Austin, USMC |
Conclusion
"The benefits we’ve learned from this joint training have been outstanding, especially for our young Marines," said USMC SSgt. Bill Denman. "Most of the Philippine military have combat experience and that is beneficial when they pass on their stories."
"The Filipinos have been extremely friendly toward us," said SSgt. Denman. "Occasionally, they’ll come to visit us at our base camp, and they’ve even invited us into their homes to eat with them."
"This is the best field operation I’ve ever been on," said Sgt. Charles Schnaar, USMC. "Where we usually train, we’re restricted to either working with the light armored vehicle or scout operations, but here we can do both. In addition to training alongside the Filipino military, this has been an incredible learning experience."
The benefits of the joint training were evident on both sides. "It’s great to train with the American Marines," said Philippine Army Sgt. Edward Calingacion. "They’re very friendly and professional. We’ve learned a lot of different tactics working with them and hope that we have passed some on to them as well."
The U.S. Marine Corps is looking into future exercises in the Philippines, according to Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Weber, III U.S. Marine Division Commanding General. "It’s important that our Marines train in these types of areas. The terrain and environment here really show them the types of situations they could face, and we hope this exercise opens up more opportunities for us to train here."
U.S. Marines Refuel at Basco Island
Before the start of the exercise, 60 U.S. Marines of Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 assigned to U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, took to the skies with four of their CH-53D Super Stallion helicopters and headed for the Philippines to take part in the airborne portion of Exercise TALON VISION. On the way to the former Clark Air Base, the Squadron made a refueling stop on the small Filipino island of Basco.
"We’re grateful that the Philippine government allows us to use the airstrip at Basco for refueling," said USMC Lt. Col. Scott Kerchner, Commanding Officer of Squadron 463. "There’s no way we could accomplish flying this far of a distance without their assistance."
Officials at Basco invited Lt. Col. Kerchner to the governor’s home during the visit to meet with the governor and diplomats from Manila. "We don’t mind the American planes stopping here to refuel," said Governor Vincente Gato. "We’d just like to meet with them from time to time." Governor Gato went on to say that the friendship between the Philippines and the United States has been a long-standing relationship.
Many of Basco’s residents came out to the airstrip to get a closer glimpse of their aerial visitors. "This airstrip has been utilized before, but many times the aircraft would just land, refuel, and take-off," said Governor Gato. "It’s good to be able to meet the faces coming to the island, even if it’s just a short visit."
"One of the most important factors in maintaining relations between our countries is communication," said Lt. Col. Kerchner. "This visit was a great opportunity for us meet and thank the people who support us around the world." |
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