Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 Kicks Off

Photo By Sgt. Israel Chincio | U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, and Philippine Marines with Battalion Landing Team 4 prepare to fast-rope out of a CH-53E Super Stallion attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 during Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippines, July 12, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marines conduct approximately twenty different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Israel Chincio)  

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

07.05.2023

Story by Maj. Natalie Batcheler 

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

MANILA – (July 5, 2023) Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, a semiannual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts, is scheduled to take place in the Philippines from July 6-21.

Philippine and U.S. service members will conduct a range of interoperability training events consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement. Scheduled training includes live fire events, bilateral air assaults and airfield seizures, joint forward arming and refueling, and other aviation support operations. This training will enhance cooperation and interoperability between Philippine and U.S. forces, as the countries continue to reinforce their commitment to each other as friends, partners, and Allies.

“MASA 23 facilitates the collaborative development of aviation, ground, and logistics related capabilities. This exercise serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the U.S., strengthening our ties and enhancing capabilities between our nations,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, Commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Philippine and U.S. forces will also partner for a variety of subject matter expertise exchanges across a variety of military activities, including expeditionary refueling, aerial casualty evacuation, water purification, health services, close air support, aviation safety, and more. Bringing Philippine and U.S. service members together for exercises like MASA develops lifelong friendships and connections that strengthen the partnership between both countries and increases regional peace and stability.

“By sharing knowledge and skills in air operations, live-fire events, and dozens of other training evolutions, we deepen our partnership and contribute to regional peace and stability, promoting a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Brodie said.

• Date Taken: 07.05.2023
• Date Posted: 07.04.2023 21:10
• Story ID: 448520
• Location: MANILA, PH