Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 24 begins at Fort Bonifacio

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

06.03.2024

Story by 1st Lt. John Fischer 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

I MEF PRESS RELEASE

FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, Philippines – Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 24, an annual 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 June 3-21, 2024.

Philippine and U.S. service members will conduct a range of interoperability training events consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty, Visiting Forces Agreement, and the supplemental Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. These mutual agreements support continued long-term modernization efforts, increased maritime security, and improved humanitarian assistance capabilities in response to natural disasters in the Philippines.

As a testament to MASA’s combined and joint nature, the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Philippine Marine Corps, Air Force, and Naval Air Wing will all participate in this exercise. From northern Luzon to Palawan, scheduled training includes a littoral live-fire exercise, forward arming and refueling of aircraft, maritime key terrain security operations, and other aviation support operations. This training will reinforce Philippine-U.S. cooperation and continue strengthening their commitment to each other as friends, partners, and Allies.

“MASA 24 offers an excellent opportunity to exchange and refine military capabilities across all domains with our Philippine allies. Our shared interest of peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific, guides our sustained exercises within the region,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Stuart Glenn, commander of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “My team and I are honored to be shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines once again, developing strong connections and increasing our ability to train, operate, and fight together.”

Philippine and U.S. forces will also partner for subject matter expertise exchanges across a variety of military activities, including integrated air missile defense, close air support, explosive ordnance disposal, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) training, health services, and more. Bringing Philippine and U.S. service members together for exercises like MASA 24 develops lifelong friendships and connections that strengthen the partnership between both countries and increases regional peace and stability.

For questions please contact:

1stLt Johnny Fischer
Deputy Director
Communication Strategy and Operations
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
USMC
[e-mail]
[phone]

• Date Taken: 06.03.2024
• Date Posted: 06.03.2024 08:08
• Story ID: 472676
• Location: MANILA, PH