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Exercise Balikatan 2006 Comes to a Close

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060307-06
Release Date: 3/7/2006 3:33:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class Scott Comstock, Naval Reserve Fleet Public Affairs Center Northwest

CLARK AIR FIELD, Philippines (NNS) -- Gen. Generoso S. Senga, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, and Brig. Gen. Daniel R. Casabar Jr., Exercise Balikatan 2006 co-exercise director, congratulated Philippine and U.S. forces March 5 on their success in adapting to a unique exercise during Exercise Balikatan closing ceremonies held at Clark Air Field’s Officer’s Club.

As part of the relief effort in southern Leyte, Philippine and U.S. forces were able to establish seven evacuation camps, secure the safety of more than 5,000 evacuees and move more than 1 million pounds of food and other supplies.

“When asked for help, true friends do not ask why; the question asked is how,” Senga said in regard to the help provided to the Philippines by U.S. Marines, Sailors and Soldiers at the scene of the mudslide covering the town of St. Bernard in southern Leyte. “In the wake of the tragedy, our American friends, together with other allies, did not hesitate to support and aid the Philippines.”

Casabar also wanted to thank American forces for quickly transforming U.S. training plans toward disaster assistance during Balikatan 2006.

“For the first time in the history of the Balikatan exercises, the Philippine and U.S. soldiers were seen standing side by side, sweating together, in the full view of the whole world,” said Casabar. “They were seen helping people they do not even know, a true manifestation of service and (they were) expecting nothing in return.”

Along with the relief efforts, the combined forces of the Philippines and the United States still managed to complete boat salvaging operations in Cavite, live-fire exercises in Magsaysay, parachute training in Clark, leadership training in Ternate, and Medical and Engineer Capabilities Action Projects on the Philippine island of Jolo.

The 22nd annual, bilateral Balikatan exercise promoted interoperability of more than 8,000 Republic of the Philippines and U.S. forces.

“This (Balikatan 2006) is a demonstration of our ability to work side by side, shoulder to shoulder, and to become closer friends and closer partners,” said Brig. Gen. Robeson, Exercise Balikatan co-exercise director.

Navy and Marine helicopters flying from USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Juneau (LPD 10) supported Balikitan 2006. Both ships arrived in Filipino waters for Exercise Balikatan 2006 prior to the disaster in Leyte.