Balikatan 2017 simulates how the Philippine and US militaries will jointly respond to the aftermath of a supertyphoon in the Philippines
US OSPREY. Philippine and US troops are simulating how they will respond if a supertyphoon hits the Philippines. All photos and videos by Bea Cupin/Rappler
AURORA, Philippines – Philippine and US troops are in Casiguran, Aurora on Monday, May 15, for the continuation of the Balikatan exercises.
The Americans flew in assets for joint drills with their Filipino counterparts. Rappler has so far spotted Osprey and Black Hawk choppers as both sides prepare for joint drills that will simulate how they will respond if another supertyphoon hits the Philippines.
The Osprey is called a superhelicopter because it flies like a airplane but hovers like a chopper, meaning it can carry cargo but does not need a runway to land. The Black Hawk, meanwhile, are US Army's tactical transport helicopters.
Monday's exercises are anticipated to be the biggest activity in this year's iteration of Balikatan, an annual activity launched by the treaty allies in the '80s.
[Video report]
[Video report]
The Philippine military also brought in BRP Tarlac, the biggest ship in its current inventory. The 123-meter-long brand new amphibious landing dock can serve as an operations center at sea.
BLACK HAWK. A black hawk chopper lands in Casiguran, Aurora. Photo by Bea Cupin/Rappler
DISASTER RESPONSE. Up to 2,600 US troops are in the Philippines for Balikatan 2017. Photo by Bea Cupin/Rappler
NAVY'S BIGGEST SHIP. BRP Tarlac participates in the Balikatan exercises in Aurora. Photo by Bea Cupin/Rappler
http://www.rappler.com/nation/169851-balikatan-osprey-black-hawk-choppers-aurora
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