LA PAZ SAND DUNES, Laoag City, Philippines -- Combined forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. military rehearsed defending the coastline today during a Balikatan counter-landing live-fire exercise.
Converging fires onto floating targets off the coast and mock-enemy targets along the beach, Marines and Soldiers from both nations improved their ability to defend Philippine interests within their territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
“I continue to be impressed by the skill, dedication and interoperability of the U.S. and AFP – all of which was on full display during today’s training. Balikatan is designed to prepare us both to defend Philippine sovereignty. If anyone has any question about whether we’re ready, we answered that today. We’re ready. And we always will be.” U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force
Balikatan 24: 3rd LCT conducts counter landing live-fire exercise during BK 24
Photo by Cpl. Eric Huynh
U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, aim down range from a defensive position as part of a counter landing live-fire exercise during Exercise Balikatan 24 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, May 6, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Huynh)
The combined-arms range included multiple shots from the FGM-148 Javelin missile and M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System, or MAAWS, small arms and machine gun fire from dug-in and maneuvering forces, and artillery fire from the Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Army, and U.S. Army.
“The successful execution of this exercise underscores the strengthened cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in defending our shores. With every iteration, we continuously leverage the valuable insights and expertise gained to ensure regional security and stability.” Maj. Gen. Marvin Licudine, Philippine exercise director
Participating units included: the Philippine Army’s 502nd Brigade; the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine Brigade; the U.S. Army 3-7 Field Artillery; and the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Littoral Combat Team.
Balikatan 24: 3rd LCT conducts counter landing live-fire exercise during BK 24
Photo by Cpl. Eric Huynh
U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conduct a counter landing live-fire exercise during Balikatan 24 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, May 6, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Huynh)