PH, US troops to conduct marine military exercises

By Rey E. Requejo

FILIPINO and American soldiers will conduct military exercises starting July 6 to enhance mutual defense between the Philippines and the United States, strengthen relationships, and rehearse emerging aviation concepts.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said the service members of both countries will conduct a range of interoperability training events, which are consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the US.

Scheduled activities include live fire events; bilateral air assaults and airfield seizures; joint forward arming and refueling, and other aviation support operations. The program, which is being held semi-annually, is called Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, which will run until July 21.

Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, Commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force, said MASA 23 “facilitates the collaborative development of aviation, ground and logistics related capabilities.” “This exercise serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the US, strengthening our ties and enhancing capabilities between our nations,” he added. Both countries’ troops will also