31st MEU completes PHIBLEX 33

COLONEL ERNESTO RAVINA AIR BASE, PHILIPPINES

10.13.2016

Story by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

PHIBLEX is an annual bilateral exercise between the AFP and U.S. Marine Corps that strengthens the interoperability and working relationships between the two nations. The exercise focused on a range of military operations – from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) to complex amphibious operations.
“PHIBLEX is a great opportunity for the MEU Marines and AFP to train together and enhance the readiness of the participating units,” said Col. Tye R. Wallace, the commanding officer of the 31st MEU. “As the U.S. Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Pacific, the Marines and Sailors of the 31st MEU were excited to train alongside our Philippine counterparts.”

Over a week-long period, the 31st MEU and AFP completed multiple field training exercises, including an amphibious landing and a combined-arms live-fire exercise.
“By working together, the U.S. and Philippine forces further refine tactics, techniques and procedures that are beneficial to both militaries,” said Wallace.
PHIBLEX also helped both the AFP and 31st MEU maintain a high level of readiness allowing for a faster response when disaster strikes. During the exercise military-to-military relations increased through combined capabilities including humanitarian civic assistance.
“Humanitarian assistance activities allow our Marines and Sailors to partner with the AFP to help provide assistance to local communities,” said Wallace. “By training together, we increase our combined capacity and are able to provide immediate crisis response when called upon.”
As partners, U.S. Forces are committed to supporting the security and humanitarian interests of the Philippines and other regional allies and partners.

• Date Taken: 10.13.2016
• Date Posted: 10.17.2016 04:26
• Story ID: 211983
• Location: COLONEL ERNESTO RAVINA AIR BASE, PH