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U.S. forces arrive for Exercise Balikatan 2003

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 2003423195455
Story by Cpl. Josh H. Hauser

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (April 24, 2003) -- More than 450 U.S. servicemembers arrived here from Okinawa, Japan, via the High Speed Vessel April 17 to take part in Exercise Balikatan 2003.

The exercise is designed to better train Philippine and U.S. air, ground and naval forces to handle any contingencies, emergencies or disasters which may arise throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Exercise Balikatan 2003 is the nineteenth of a series of exercises involving the two nations, which date back to 1981.

According to 1st Sgt. Clifford Grant, company first sergeant, Headquarters and Service Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, any joint task force, "benefits participants on both sides of the aisle."

Grant went on to say that the personnel who arrived here are excited and more than ready for the challenges of Exercise Balikatan 2003.

"Any time they get a chance to go anywhere while stationed on Okinawa, they're motivated," Grant said.

Lance Cpl. Jade Basgil, a Crash, Fire and Rescue crewmember from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, stated sentiments along a similar vein.

"We're happy for the opportunity to come here and experience a new training environment," said the Crosby, Texas, native. "I think it's a great morale booster to be able to train and talk with our Filipino counterparts. More training always leaves you better prepared to execute your job."

According to Marine Capt. Burrell Parmer, Exercise Balikatan 2003 Public Affairs Officer, the exercise is to be conducted in two phases simultaneously.

"The first phase will exercise a combined/joint task force headquarters staff and personnel on crisis planning and execution on an operational level focusing on peace enforcement operations," Parmer said. "The second phase consists of cross-training, field-training and humanitarian civil assistance exercises which are aimed at enhancing interoperability between Philippine and U.S. forces."

As in the past, training events for the exercise will be held at three venues on the island of Luzon: Clark Air Field, Fort Magsaysay and in the vicinity of Ternate.

Parmer noted that Exercise Balikatan 2003 is not related to the ongoing counterterrorism training in the southern Philippines or the current operations in Iraq.

"This is a regularly scheduled event. The armed forces of both countries need to conduct joint military exercises to ensure interoperability," Parmer said. "This exercise will ensure a well-coordinated response when the need arises."

Exercise Balikatan 2003 will officially start April 25 after an opening ceremony that will be held in Manila and end May 9.