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Phiblex '11 comes to close during ceremony

US Marine Corps News

10/29/2010 By Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr., Marine Corps Bases Japan

FORT BONAFACIO, Republic of the Philippines — U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel celebrated the conclusion of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 during a closing ceremony here Oct. 22.

The ceremony culminated the exercise during which the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the Armed Forces of the Philippines trained bilaterally to improve interoperability, increase readiness and continue to build professional relationships between the two countries.

Throughout the exercise, AFP and U.S. personnel conducted training evolutions including an amphibious raid, boat raid, jungle warfare training and a variety of air training missions.

Philippine Air Force personnel logged 13 hours of flight time and flew 11 sorties during the exercise, according to Col. Joven Ronan, exercise director, Philippine Air Force.

Exercise participants completed a series of civil-military operations, to include engineering, dental, veterinary and medical projects. During medical and dental projects, more than 3,500 patients were treated, according to Ronan.

During several community relations projects, U.S. service members and their counterparts provided a variety of items including books, clothes, desks and toys to children located throughout Luzon.

"The local government officials and citizens were very pleased with all of the community relations projects," said Ronan.

"Phiblex was a complete success," said Brig. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commanding general, 3rd MEB, adding that the recent strike of Typhoon Juan (international name Megi) caused the brigade to miss only a few training opportunities. "We did most of the training we wanted to accomplish ... and we did it together."

The keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero, the commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps said he is extremely impressed by the performance of both his Marines and U.S. service members.

"I want to share my warmest appreciation for you all," he said. "I look forward to beautiful meetings and training opportunities in the future."