Joint RP-US war games end

Advanced training in urban warfare for Filipino troops highlighted yesterday’s conclusion of the joint Philippine-US military exercises Talon Vision 07 and Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX) 07.

Capt. Joselito Munar, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman for Talon Vision, said in a press statement that elite PAF personnel were trained in urban warfare by US soldiers.

He said the local troops also harnessed their skills in advanced ordnance disposal.

The concluding ceremonies for the 16-day war exercises were held at the Airforce City Officers Club in Clark Field, Pampanga. The joint exercises were held in Palawan and in some parts of Luzon.

"The 710th Special Operations Wing participants acquired additional knowledge on advance military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) and on advance skills explosive ordnance disposal,’’ Munar said.

Some military officials earlier cited the importance of this year’s joint exercises in combating terrorists operating in urban centers.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, during a visit to San Antonio, Zambales on Friday to inspect the progress of the dental and medical missions by joint US-Filipino troops, said the exercises reinforced the two countries’ anti-terror capabilities.

Aside from anti-terror training, troops from the Air Force, the Marines, the Navy and the Army learned immensely from their US counterparts, especially in the use of advanced military equipment, Munar said.

The exercises involved combat maneuvers, air intercept and air interdiction, close air support maneuvers, ground control intercept, defense combat maneuvers, defensive attack combat flying, formation flying, joint air attack tactics training, and low level and terrain flying.

Filipino troops also harnessed their shooting skills in the series of marksmanship training, Munar said.

"Navy and Marine elements were able to train side by side with their US counterparts during the amphibious landing exercises held in Palawan and Ternate, Cavite. The Philippine Army for the first time was included to participate in this year’s Talon Vision and PHIBLEX," Munar said.

Munar said various medical and civic projects in far-flung villages complemented the joint military exercises.

Aside from treating indigent patients, US troops also distributed medicines and school supplies in villages of Palawan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.

This year’s exercise directors were PAF Lt. Col. Julius Guillermo, Marine Col. Rustico Guerrero, and US Marine Corps Col. Chester Joley.

Brig. Gen. Gilbert Llanto, commander of the 600th Air Base Wing, attended the closing ceremonies for this year’s Talon Vision and PHIBLEX.

The Philippines and the US have been undertaking the joint exercises since 2001.

"They were delighted as to the outcome of the exercises wherein a lot of the activities as planned were successfully carried out. The desired learning objective of the exercise was achieved by both the US and RP participants and that it strengthened the inter-operability of the AFP and US Marine forces for future undertaking at the tactical level,’’ Munar said. — Jaime Laude