Navy units conduct successful 'vertical replenishment' exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Navy units conduct successful 'vertical replenishment' exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – Participating Philippine Navy (PN) units in this year's Joint Exercise "DAGIT PA" on Monday have successfully completed a so-called "vertical replenishment" (vertrep) exercise involving an AgustaWestland AW-109 naval helicopter and strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601).

"DAGIT-PA" stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” and is a unilateral exercise that aims to further enhance the joint force interoperability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas.

"During the exercise, the PN’s naval helicopter (with tail number) 432 showcased its vertrep capability that utilized the cargo hook suspension system. The drill was carried out on the naval vessel LD-601 or BRP Tarlac which was stationed 1.3 nautical miles west of Capones Grande (Zambales). This was part of the amphibious operations that are underscored in the 4th iteration of the AFP-wide drills," "DAGIT-PA" exercise director, Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement Tuesday.

Vertrep capability is vital in operations when ground and water transport for armed units is seemingly impossible.

This can be employed for ship-to-ship reprovision and replenishment of units especially those stationed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Vertrep capability is ideal in situations and in mission areas when the transfer of cargo and other provisions and logistical requirements is more practical than landing a helicopter on deck.

The drills also featured flight deck operations aboard BRP Tarlac using AW-109 helicopters which aims to enhance the capability of its personnel in handling rotary-wing aircraft.

Also completed was the well-deck operations or embarkation of Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) amphibious assault vehicles aboard BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

The amphibious forces also completed its final meeting of units to synchronize efforts in preparation for the amphibious assault operation on December 1.

“The December 1 schedule of events for AJEX (Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Exercise) 'DAGIT-PA' is the highlight of this year’s iteration of the exercise. It will test some of the AFP’s capabilities and competencies in amphibious operations given the sea, air, and land assets made available. Territorial defense capability will also be tested on the same day involving a different set of participants," Arevalo, who is also AFP spokesperson, said.

He added that the learning outcome from "DAGIT-PA" will impact the existing doctrines and those that are being developed.

"While we continue to modernize, our techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) we likewise ensure that our doctrines are continuously updated and developed,” Arevalo said.

These activities are part of AJEX "DAGIT-PA's” Joint Interoperability Exercise which seeks to enhance the AFP’s proficiency in sea to land operations. It demonstrates the military’s ability to seize a littoral objective in a scenario of an island defense deploying land, sea, and air assets.

"DAGIT-PA" was launched on November 23 to further enhance the Joint Force interoperability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas. It will conclude on Friday.

These exercises are aimed at elevating the military’s operational effectiveness in contingencies concerning maritime security, territorial defense, counter-terrorism, and natural disasters and calamities.

“This manifests the AFP’s commitment to strive towards a world-class armed forces which is a source of national pride. By further elevating our readiness, we are confident that we will serve the best interest of the Filipino people. We will match our readiness and capability with the ever-changing in-country security environment and in the region,” Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123434