THE Philippine Navy and the United States Navy have recently concluded a joint exercise that lasted two weeks along the Mactan Channel.
Part of the exercise was the Visit Board Search and Seizure where both navies simulated a hostage rescue mission involving 15 members of the US Navy and 14 from the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Special Operations Unit.
Lt. James Reyes, Naval Forces Central spokesman, said the exercise was aimed at developing the skills and capabilities of personnel in conducting special maritime operations and their ability in close quarter combat, marksmanship, and combat board and search.
“We saw the need to develop the men’s special maritime operations, especially since Cebu and the Philippines are surrounded by water and this is one of the activities that we can undertake and help us become ready to respond to any situation,” Reyes told journalists.
He said the exercises also served as an exchange of knowledge between the US Navy and the Philippine Navy. “It was not only the Philippine Navy who learned from the US Navy, they also learned many things from us. It was an exchange of specialty and knowledge, a consolidated effort,” Reyes said.
He said the annual joint military exercise is in accordance with the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement. (RMN)
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