U.S. and Philippines Successfully Conclude 37th Balikatan

Photo By Sgt. Jackson Dukes | U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, and Philippine Marines with Force Reconnaissance Group, conduct a close quarters battle range during Balikatan 22 at Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Cavite, Philippines, March 31, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for ‘shoulder-to-shoulder,’ is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Dukes)  

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES

04.08.2022

Courtesy Story

Exercise Balikatan       

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military gathered here today to celebrate the successful completion of Balikatan 2022, the 37th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise.


Over the last two weeks, nearly 9,000 exercise participants from the AFP and U.S. military trained shoulder-to-shoulder from the northern coast of Luzon to Palawan, focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.


“After two years of a global pandemic, U.S. and Philippine forces have come together to complete one of the largest Balikatan exercises ever held,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. “This is a testament to the strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance and the shared priorities of our countries.”


U.S. and Philippine exercise forces employed more than 50 aircraft, four ships, 10 amphibious craft, four High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, and four Patriot missile systems during Balikatan 22. This year’s exercise also included approximately 40 personnel from the Australian Defense Force.


“The experience gained from exercise Balikatan complemented our security cooperation endeavors and helped enhance existing mutual security efforts,” said Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Exercise Director for Balikatan 22. “Although there were limitations brought about by the pandemic, it is highly commendable that the exercise pushed through and generated and favorable outcome.”


During Balikatan 22, U.S. Army Patriot missile systems were employed in amphibious operations in the Philippines for the first time. The exercise also saw the inaugural deployment of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3d MLR), which was established in Hawaii on March 3.


AFP and U.S. forces experimented with sensors and fire support, and used expeditionary advanced bases (EABs) as the framework for an integrated coastal defense. Over the course of eight days, the 3d MLR partnered with the Philippine Marine Corps Coastal Defense Regiment and provided command and control over multiple EABs across northern Luzon. This coastal defense was further enhanced by two Patriot Missile Batteries from the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment and HIMARS from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines.


The U.S. Navy and Philippine Navy played key roles providing sealift and off-shore support.


“The completion of yet another successful Balikatan is a clear example of our shared commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Deputy Commander. “As a result of our mutual efforts, our militaries have grown together in friendship, and we are better prepared to respond as one cohesive team to any crisis or challenge.”


The AFP and U.S. military also conducted multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques. These construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events improved local infrastructure, facilitated the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthened ties between local communities and Philippine and American military forces.


While Balikatan 22 comes to a close, the AFP and U.S. forces will continue to train and stand together routinely during other exercises and initiatives throughout the year to promote readiness, interoperability, friendship, and security.

• Date Taken: 04.08.2022
• Date Posted: 04.08.2022 02:52
• Story ID: 418101
• Location: QUEZON CITY, PH