US, Philippines start planning Balikatan 2017

From Update.Ph (Jun 20): US, Philippines start planning Balikatan 2017

Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Lt. Gen. John A. Toolan, listens as Major Gen. Andres Costales, Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Education, explains concepts for Balikatan 2017. US Marines photo

American and Filipino military personnel attended the initial planning session for Balikatan 2017 at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii on June 16, 2016.

Balikatan is the premier military exercise between Philippines and United States. It is being held in the country every year.

This allows the two countries to work side-by-side together, whether it be combat or humanitarian-related.

“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,” US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific commander Lt. Gen. John A. Toolan said at the end of Balikatan 2016.

“This year’s (2016) ‘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,” he added.

http://www.update.ph/2016/06/us-philippines-start-planning-balikatan-2017/6626