US defense official to visit RP for security discussions

From the Daily Tribune (Mar 17): US defense official to visit RP for security discussions

United States Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter will visit the Philippines and other Asian countries from Mar. 17 to 21, the US Embassy in Manila announced yesterday.

Citing a statement from the Pentagon, the embassy said Carter, during a four-day visit, will conduct “defense consultations on a range of common security challenges.”

The statement read the US official will also reinforce US support to its allies in Asia.

Carter served as US undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics from April 2009 until October 2011.

Carter, as an undersecretary, led department efforts to “accelerate fulfillment of urgent operational needs, increase department’s buying power and strengthen nation’s defenses against emerging threats,” according to his biography posted on the US Department of Defense Web site.

Carter also served as assistant secretary of defense and international security policy during the Clinton Administration.

On Friday, the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), a submarine tender, arrived in Subic Bay for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the US and the Philippines.

The visit will allow the ship to conduct maintenance, replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

The USS Emory S. Land is part of the US Pacific Fleet and is homeported in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

While in Subic, the ship’s crew will continue its subject matter expert exchanges with the Philippine Navy.

The crew will also engage in several community service projects with schools, medical institutions, orphanages and other local community centers, as well as community relations activities such as sports events.

The crew of the ship includes 106 Filipino-Americans (out of 410 total) — 26 US Navy sailors and 80 civilian mariners. They hail from Botolan, Olongapo City, San Antonio, Pasay City, and elsewhere in the Philippines.

Below are some select profiles of the ship’s Filipino-American crew:

Supply Corps Officer Lieutenant Junior Grade Officer Michael Agojo is an officer and a second generation sailor.

Logistics specialist senior chief Randy Mangohig oversees the professional growth and development of 35 enlisted personnel aboard the ship.

Chief petty officer Niño Miranda is a sports community relations coordinator for the Morale Welfare and Recreation Office and is part of the Religious Ministries Team.

Gunners mate second class Veronica Connole helps train the crew in safe deployment of the ship’s self defense weapons. She also helps with translations between the ship’s crew and the local community in Subic.

Chief petty officer Enrico Manalac is a language interpreter for subject matter and expert exchanges with the BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

No media availability is planned during vessel’s visit to Subic Bay.

The Balikatan 2013 will take place from April 5 to 17 in Zambales province.

Balikatan is an annual Philippines-US military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement, and considered as a signature element of robust treaty alliance relationship.

As part of this year’s exercise, members of the Philippine and US armed forces will undertake joint humanitarian assistance projects in communities throughout Zambales province.

Preliminary work on community infrastructure projects will begin mid-March.

Military medical personnel will offer free medical, dental and veterinary care.

In selected communities, military engineers will construct and repair schools and other infrastructure.

The Balikatan series of exercises focus on training both the US and Philippine armed forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety.

Additionally, armed forces personnel from both countries will conduct combined staff exercises and field training in Camp O’Donnell, Crow Valley, Subic Bay and Fort Magsaysay to improve interoperability and contingency planning.

This year, the Philippines and the US invited a small number of personnel from other partner nations in the region to attend a portion of the exercise.

 “Balikatan” in Filipino means “shoulder-to-shoulder” and characterizes the spirit of the exercise and the Philippines-US alliance.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/item/11763-us-defense-official-to-visit-rp-for-security-discussions.html