Introduction
The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) completed Exercise Balikatan 2023 (BK23), highlighting their commitment to regional peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. In this joint exercise, both the AFP and the Makin Island ARG worked together to address challenges related to the Mutual Defense Treaty, counter-terrorism threats, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The exercise showcased the interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine forces, and their readiness to respond to crisis and contingencies at short notice.
Shared Commitment to Democracy and Human Rights
The U.S. and Philippine alliance is based on strong historical and cultural linkages and a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. Balikatan presented an opportunity for personnel from the AFP and the Makin Island ARG comprised of USS Makin Island (LHD 8), USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), to work together to address challenges related to the Mutual Defense Treaty, counter-terrorism threats, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Enhancing Interoperability and Readiness
The Makin Island ARG participated in Combined Joint Logistics Over the Shore, in which heavy supplies and equipment were loaded onto landing craft, air cushions and transported to the beach. A temporary bilateral, multifunctioning team was established on shore to transfer fuel to and from ships, stage and operate heavy equipment, and conduct vehicle convoys. The ability to execute amphibious offload operations ensures the AFP and U.S. military are ready to respond to crisis and contingencies at short notice.
Anchorage’s Sailors, and Marines assigned to 1st Reconnaissance, 13th MEU, conducted a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) exercise on expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5). VBSS provides a variety of scenario injects that require situational analysis, communication, and bilateral decision making. This exercise provided unparalleled opportunities to demonstrate the strength and readiness of the U.S.- Philippine security alliance.
The Makin Island ARG participated in a group sail alongside Miguel Keith, and Philippine navy ships BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS 15), and BRP Tarlac (FF 601) in the South China Sea. This event enhances our forces’ communication, techniques and procedures across a wide range of operations while assuring a high degree of interoperability.
Strengthening Defense Capabilities
Makin Island and AFP conducted a sink exercise which consisted of AFP staging a floating target with the goal of capsizing it. Makin Island launched their 6 F-35B Lightning IIs—fifth generation strike fighters assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th MEU—and employed 4 GPS guided munitions onto the target, successfully capsizing it.
For the final phase of Balikatan 23, Makin Island conducted a simulated amphibious raid at Brooke’s Point, offloading U.S. Marines to conduct live fire training, and bilateral long-range fires in a coastal defense training scenario. Field training exercises create valuable training opportunities for both partners to develop proficiency in coastal defense concepts, as well as build camaraderie and respect among service members at every level.
Benefits to the US Navy and the American People
Exercise Balikatan 2023 provided an opportunity for the U.S. and Philippine forces to work together and address challenges related to the Mutual Defense Treaty, counter-terrorism threats, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. The joint exercise showcased the readiness and interoperability of the Makin Island ARG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to respond to crisis and contingencies at short notice. The exercise provided valuable training opportunities for both partners to develop proficiency in coastal defense concepts, as well as build camaraderie and respect among service members at every level.
Conclusion
The Makin Island ARG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines demonstrated their commitment to regional peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific through Exercise Balikatan 2023.
Their joint efforts showcased the readiness and interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine forces to respond to crisis and contingencies at short notice.
As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we recognize the importance of strong partnerships with our allies and partners, and the vital role the U.S. Navy plays in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
By working together, the U.S. and Philippine forces can strengthen their defense capabilities, enhance their interoperability, and ultimately benefit the US Navy’s readiness and the American people who support them.
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