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Forward Deployed Sailors, Marines, Strengthen Ties with Philippine Forces

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091027-19
Release Date: 10/27/2009 3:45:00 PM

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

SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors from the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ships USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) with embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit recently concluded the bilateral Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) with the armed forces of the Philippines.

U.S. military personnel worked alongside members of the armed forces of the Philippines to further develop crisis action planning, enhance their ability to effectively conduct military operations, and promote interoperability between the U.S. and Philippine forces.

Sailors aboard Tortuga and Harpers Ferry conducted training with Philippine service members on a variety of topics including leadership, logistics, boarding team operations, damage control and firefighting while U.S. Marines conducted combined security assistance training ashore. U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians also worked with Philippine EOD personnel to safely dispose of 150 recovered World War II-era munitions.

"The humanitarian assistance operations we conducted in the Philippines just prior to PHIBLEX demonstrated the value of this exercise," said U.S. Navy Capt. Donald A. Schmieley, commander of Amphibious Squadron 11. "PHIBLEX is all about engagement and increasing interoperability with our Philippine counterparts, and this exercise will increase our ability to conduct combined humanitarian operations as well as enhance regional security."

Crew members of both ships participated in community service projects alongside sailors from the Philippine Navy, to help refurbish local schools. Volunteers painted walls, repaired computers and classrooms, and interacted with students.

"The community service projects during PHIBLEX were an important part of the mission," said Schmieley. "Community service projects give Sailors and local community members the opportunity to meet each other face-to-face and get an appreciation for both cultures."

Yeoman 3rd Class (SW) Evan P. Seller, assigned to Harpers Ferry, felt his biggest accomplishment during the service projects was not improving the environment for the children but instilling a positive impression.

"It was an unforgettable experience," said Seller. "You can't put a price tag on the friendships we made here in the Philippines. I wish we could have stayed longer but leaving a positive presence is priceless."

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 Forces 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.