#Warfighting: Bonhomme Richard ARG, 31st MEU Complete PHIBLEX

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 29 prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard recently completed Amphibious Landing Exercise, an annual bilateral exercise designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional and personal relationships between U.S. forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Russell/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karen Blankenship, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed from Subic Bay, Philippines Oct. 20 after completing the Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX).

PHIBLEX is an annual bilateral exercise held in conjunction with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and is designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional and personal relationships between U.S. and Philippine forces.

"Our historical relationship with the Republic of the Philippines is important," said Lt. Col. Troy Roesti, executive officer of the 31st MEU. "The resounding success of PHIBLEX 13 served to strengthen and reinforce the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries."

PHIBLEX lasted 10 days and was conducted at sea and ashore in the Republic of the Philippines. The bilateral training covered many different aspects of military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and combined arms live-fire exercises.

"The value of this partnered training is immeasurable," said Roesti. "The resounding success, camaraderie and esprit de corps experienced during PHIBLEX 13 will serve as a benchmark for future exercises and training opportunities with our friends in the Philippines."

Marines and Sailors from the 31st MEU also visited five schools in Margulo, Magsaysay and Puerta Princesa. During these visits service members helped clean the schools by removing weeds and brush and by picking up trash. They also had the chance to interact with the children at the schools by playing games and talking with them.

"Getting to interact with the Filipino children goes beyond just playing games with them," said Lance Cpl. Cameron Wright, a heavy equipment operator with the 31st MEU. "They'll remember our visits and the various medical and engineering projects we've done with them, which all goes toward fostering a stronger relationship that goes beyond military-to-military training. These are lifelong bonds for the future."

Exercises like PHIBLEX help strengthen the ties between the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Pacific region.

"The partnered training during this exercise allowed U.S. Marines and Sailors, alongside Republic of the Philippine marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen, to teach and learn from each other, practice newly acquired skills and then demonstrate their unique capabilities," said Roesti. "The Marines and Sailors of the 31st MEU leave PHIBLEX 13 better trained and with memories that will not be forgotten."

The Bonhomme Richard ARG, commanded by Capt. Cathal S. O'Connor, is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) and is currently operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Essex Completes Amphibious Exercises in the Republic of the Philippines

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Didier, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific, Det. Sasebo

SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, after completing this year's Talon Vision (TV) and Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX) Oct. 27.

The exercises involved two weeks of ground, air and naval integration training with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The exercises are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and continue to improve professional relationships between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.

"Essex Sailors did an outstanding job supporting the Marines as well as the Philippine Armed Forces during both exercises, further improving our interoperability with our partner nation," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "Now that the exercises are complete we look forward to a much deserved port visit in Subic Bay which provides an opportunity to perform some community relations projects as well as enrich our cultural understanding of each other."

Essex arrived in Subic Bay to backload Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), who conducted ground-force training during PHIBLEX and TV.

The Marines of the 31st MEU conducted an intensive series of training exercises with their Filipino counterparts to improve their collective warfighting capabilities. Training scenarios included live arms fire, small unit tactics, and boat-raid training exercises.

With the operational phase of the exercises behind them, Sailors now look to accomplish a great deal in terms of humanitarian assistance and intercultural relations.

Sailors assigned to Essex are scheduled to participate in two community relations projects in Olongapo City during the port visit. Both projects involve minor repair work, painting, English lessons and a variety of interactive friendship building activities.

"We are not just here in a military capacity," said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Michael Brewer, of Hanford, Calif. "We want to reach out to help the local community and show them our humanitarian side."

While in the Philippines, Sailors and Marines will enjoy a three-day liberty call at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Olongapo City area.

"I look forward to going back to the Philippines," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Airman (AW) Robert Sherman from Chicago. "I really enjoy going there and taking in the sights and tours. I plan on going to the aquarium and seeing the things I missed the last two visits."

Essex is the only forward-deployed U.S. amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

ESX ESG Ships Complete Bilateral Exercises in the Philippines

By Lt. Nathan Christensen, Task Force 76 Public Affairs
Ships from the USS Essex (LHD 2) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESX ESG) completed Exercise Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) in the Philippines, Oct. 31.

The two-week long exercises involved USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force. Essex participated after departing Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 26.

"Talon Vision and PHIBLEX were a great success," said Capt. Anthony Pachuta, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, embarked aboard Juneau. "The bilateral training that occurred during the exercises was vital to maintaining readiness capabilities for both the U.S. and Philippine armed forces. It also demonstrated our partnership and commitment to the people of the Philippines."

The training exercises ran concurrently from Oct. 15-31, and partnered 2,700 U.S. and 1,300 Philippine military personnel for two weeks, emphasizing the importance of U.S. military forces from Japan contributing to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

"The exercises were conducted to facilitate interoperability, increase readiness and continue to improve professional relationships between the United States and the Philippines armed forces," said Tortuga Operations Officer, Lt. Robert D. Starks. "Bilateral training is part of the long-term security assistance program between the [Philippines] and U.S."

Training events during Talon Vision and PHIBLEX focused on a variety of sea and land-based capabilities. Both Tortuga and Juneau provided sea-based platforms for simulated Marine raids, and Sailors from both nations conducted simulated maritime interdiction operations as well as visit, board, search and seizure training.

"The Essex Expeditionary Strike Group is here to help foster peace and stability in the region," said Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, commander, Combined Task Force 76, embarked aboard Essex. "We are ready, we are flexible and we provide significant capabilities that contribute to regional stability and security."

ESX ESG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship Essex, PHIBRON 11, the transport dock ship Tortuga, the dock landing ship Juneau, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Beach Master Unit 1 and Assault Craft Units 1 and 5. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit makes up the Marine force embarked with the ESG.