Philippine, US Marines open 2023 marine aviation support activity

The Philippines and the United States on Thursday launched a joint activity aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps, the Philippine Navy, the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific (USMARFORPAC), the Philippine Air Force, and the Naval Air Wing-PN.

This year's Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) will be conducted from July 6 to 21 and is on the two countries’ Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board Meeting (MDB-SEB) activity list, the Philippine Marine Corps said in a statement.

The activities will be held at various exercise areas in different command areas in the Philippines.

“This bilateral exercise reflects the mutual trust, respect, and cooperation between our forces as we unite with the purpose to safeguard our nations and promote regional security,” Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci said in a statement, which was read by Naval Inspector General Major General Jonas Lumawag during the opening ceremony at Naval Station Jose Francisco in Taguig City.

“With 2,711 personnel and 43 air assets, the Philippine Marine Corps and US Marine Corps have displayed their resolute determination to ensure our forces are ready, capable, and prepared for any challenge that may arise,” he added.

MASA 2023 is set to unite the Philippine Marine Corps and the US Marine Corps in bilateral engagements and training, as well as to show their commitment to cooperation, mutual respect, and friendship.

“Over the coming days, we will engage in invaluable training, which will further strengthen our collective defense capabilities,” said Colonel Brendan P. Sullivan USMC, Commanding Officer, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin.

Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major General Arturo Rojas added that the exercises will give the Marines an "invaluable opportunity" to "familiarize themselves with the complexities of joint operations, enabling seamless integration of our aviation assets to support ground forces." — BM, GMA Integrated News