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Forward Deployed Sailors, Marines Begin PHIBLEX with Philippine Counterparts

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091015-03
Release Date: 10/15/2009 7:50:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det., Japan

PALAWAN, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- The forward deployed Sailors of the amphibious dock landing ships USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) along with Marines from 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) off the coast of the Philippines Oct. 14.

Harpers Ferry will operate in the vicinity of Palawan while Tortuga conducts training near Manila.

The bilateral exercise is conducted in accordance with agreements made by United States and the Republic of the Philippines designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional relationships between the two forces.

"Joint bilateral training helps build relationships and interoperability so that when called upon, we already have that knowledge and that ability to work with each other," said U.S. Navy Capt. Donald A. Schmieley, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. "Sharing techniques and procedures strengthens our alliance with the Philippine military."

U.S. Marines will conduct security assistance training ashore with their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The U.S. Navy will operate concurrently with naval AFP service members focusing on preventative maintenance, leadership, logistics and damage control.

In addition to training, medical assistance events and community service projects are scheduled as joint efforts between the U.S. and Philippine services.

"I expect this exercise to be a success in all aspects,"
said Schmieley. "Being able to conduct community service projects, accomplishing the Navy training events, and supporting the Marine Corps training will make it possible."

The exercise comes after the completion of humanitarian assistance support operations by Harpers Ferry, Tortuga and the 31st MEU in Manila and Luzon after Typhoons Ketsana and Parma swept the country. Locals in affected areas received medical assistance from Navy medical personnel while Marines distributed relief supplies.

Harpers Ferry and Tortuga are forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan and assigned to Commander, Task Group 76.4, Capt. Donald A. Schmieley. The group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.