Inter-operability between PHL, US amphibious vessels among primary goals of PHIBLEX

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Inter-operability between PHL, US amphibious vessels among primary goals of PHIBLEX

The integration of the recently-delivered strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601), and landing craft heavies from Australia with similar craft from the United States is one of the primary goals of the ongoing Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX).

"Our mission is to integrate the use of strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac, and other non-traditional platforms such as the landing craft (heavies acquired from) Australia and small riverine crafts from the US," Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) head Major Gen. Andre Costales said.

The 33rd iteration of PHIBLEX started Tuesday and will end on October 12. Around 1,400 American military personnel and 500 soldiers will be taking part in the exercise.

PHIBLEX will take places in various areas in Luzon and Palawan.

"But, our vision does not end here. Our goal further extends its breadth by preparing the grounds for the PMC capability build up with or without external interventions; thereby including the rehearsal for the activation of the marine combat component of the AFP’s Joint Rapid Reaction Force and the utilization of landing and offload sites other than those traditionally used in previous PHIBLEX engagements," he added.

Costales said that this visions are not for the PMC alone as it involves the country's international and regional partner armed forces as well.

"With the apparent scale in the number of participants and the subsequent expectations from international communities of spectators, our PHIBLEX leaders are gearing up in order to achieve our goals. key planners before our season have known and have been executing measures to level up towards our vision," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928528