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Juneau, Philippine Forces Develop Bonds at Sea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061107-05
Release Date: 11/7/2006 3:15:00 PM

By Electronics Technician 3rd Class Christopher Weyers, USS Juneau Public Affairs

ABOARD USS JUNEAU, At Sea (NNS) -- After a three-day stop in Subic Bay, Philippines, amphibious transport dock ship USS Juneau (LPD 10) had some special guests aboard while conducting the operational portion of Talon Vision Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) Oct. 19-29.

Juneau welcomed 132 armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) marines and six naval officers, who worked closely with U.S. Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to conduct a series of amphibious operations.

One goal of the exercises was for each country to learn from the other and build relationships. Juneau Commanding Officer, Capt. John D. Alexander, said they achieved this.

“It is important that we continue to build relationships with our Philippine partners to increase security and prosperity in this region of the world,” said Alexander.

One of the Philippine officers embarked said that even with five years of military experience, he has learned a great deal about amphibious operations. He added there is an abundance of knowledge to be obtained from the crew of Juneau.

“There’s more to learn that just amphibious operations,” he said. “Flight operations occur frequently and by just being aboard, we can learn various routines and evolutions.”

While aboard Juneau, the embarked AFP personnel did many of the jobs Sailors do, including helping fill vending machines or scrubbing deck edges. All of them seemed to enjoy the experience aboard Juneau, said Juneau Sailors.

“We are confident that this training and the bonds gained from this training will be lasting,” said Alexander.

Juneau is part of the Sasebo, Japan-based Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which serves under Commander, Task Force 76. Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.