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Philippine Navy Lands on Harpers Ferry

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070606-04
Release Date: 6/6/2007 12:40:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark Alvarez, USS Harpers Ferry Public Affairs

SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) conducted Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQs) with a Republic of the Philippines Navy helicopter and personnel June 3, as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2007.

CARAT -- involving three U.S. Navy ships and 1,300 service members -- is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and six Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. The first phase kicked off in the Philippines May 31 and is set to last 10 days with bilateral training in a number of mission areas.

DLQs, which test pilots in their ability to land on U.S. Navy ships, are a continual part of flight readiness and are conducted periodically by new and experienced pilots to keep their qualifications and skills up to date, according to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Marvin Guinto.

The DLQ evolutions for the Philippine Navy flight personnel was not only an opportunity to increase proficiency in landing, but also helped with interoperability, as Philippine and U.S. personnel worked together to complete the evolutions.

“It went well and hopefully their qualifications are up to par now,” said Guinto. “The crew of Harpers Ferry is more than willing to do anything we can to help out our Philippine counterparts.”

The DLQs gave Harpers Ferry Sailors a chance to refresh their skills, train in a real-world environment and do it all alongside Philippine counterparts.

“It was great training for everyone,” said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Brandon R. Culp. “We haven’t done this for awhile, so it was good to shake off the rust and get back out here.”

The Philippine flight crew came aboard Harpers Ferry the previous day in order to rehearse the hand signals that would be used during this exercise.

On the day of the DLQs, the helicopter set down and took off again nine times on Harpers Ferry’s flight deck while the ship was underway.

Seaman Jacob Diekmann was another deck plate Sailor who appreciated the training and the great experience it provided.

“It was a great thing doing a joint exercise with the Philippine Navy,” said Diekmann. “They were great pilots; it was a good time.”

Harpers Ferry is part of the Navy’s forward-deployed amphibious force serving under Commander, Task Force 76. Task Force 76, which is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.