Inter-operability between US, PHL forces now at an all-time high with 'Balikatan' 2016

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): Inter-operability between US, PHL forces now at an all-time high with 'Balikatan' 2016

As this year's "Balikatan" exercises were formally concluded Friday, a ranking US military official said inter-operability between American and Filipinos are at an all-time high.

"I’ve had the opportunity to lead and participate in many exercises with the AFP and without question, this year’s 'Balikatan' sets a new high watermark in the inter-operability and coordination between our forces. Over the last two weeks I’ve visited exercise locations throughout the country, meeting with many of our Philippine, Australian, American and Japanese forces and seen firsthand the great progress that we are making in training together," US "Balikatan" exercise director Lt. Gen. John Toolan said.

He added that both US and Philippine military units involved in the two-week maneuvers have done a "great job".

"Balikatan" 2016 started last April 4. Participants were 3, 773 Filipino soldiers and 4, 904 US troops.

"I am pleased to note that 'Balikatan' was a culmination of a year-long series of other events supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines' capability development, carried out in the direction of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board. This year’s 'Balikatan' was vied for the most complex and high-end training of the exercise, close coordination between multi national forces and the air, land and sea. We were able to see the Philippine Air Force’s new FA-50 'Fighting Eagle,' and the C-295 maritime patrol aircraft in action, performing their valuable missions," Toolan stressed.

"We watched the new LCH, the heavy landing craft, moving US and Philippine Marines in between islands. Accompanied by the high speed vessel the (USS) Millinocket, being used in a non traditional manner to support the assault. We also saw the first time use of the high- mobility artillery rocket system in the exercise, and were able to rapidly transport it in between exercise sites, and multiple-sites across multiple hours," he added.

And true to its name, "Balikatan" ( literally shoulder-to-shoulder) also featured a lot of integrated training between Philippine, Australian, and US armies, navies, air force, marines and special operations forces.

"This year’s Balikatan also has great historical significance, that reflects how our four nations - the Philippines, Australia, Japan and US can nurture our relationship to move forward, training and working together as like-minded nations for the common good. I believe our alliance is strong and in great shape," Toolan said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=876839