PHL Marines and their US counterparts begin a 3-week military exercise in Palawan, Laoag

Philippine Marines and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) began their exercises in Palawan on Tuesday as part of the three-week bilateral training called Marine Aviation Support Activity 2022 (MASA 22) after it opened in Marine Corps headquarters at Fort Bonifacio.

According to Navy spokesman Maj. Emery Torre, MASA 22 is a bilateral exercise between the two forces that aims to enhance combined and joint interoperability between participating forces in the conduct of tactical and heliborne operations.

It includes integrated and joint interoperability activities such as coastal defense arming and refueling and subject exchanges for unmanned aviation system and engineering, in which the Naval Air Wing will participate. of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force.

Bilateral training activities in Palawan will run until June 17 and continue in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte for four days.

During the opening ceremony, the Commander of the Navy, Major General Nestor Herico, recognized the vital role of aviation in military operations by emphasizing the need for a strong navy and strong navies.

Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, also said “side-to-side training increases a combined military capability and friendship that contributes directly to the strength” of the alliance of the two countries.