The 38th iteration of the Philippines-United States Exercise Balikatan was officially opened in a ceremony held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters, Quezon City, Metro Manila on April 11, 2023.
The opening ceremony was graced by Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. along with the military top brass including AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres C. Centino; AFP Western Command Chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos; AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean M. Gaerlan; Philippine Exercise Director and Commander of AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) Maj. Gen. Marvin L. Licudine; AFP Inspector General Lt. Gen. William Gonzales; U.S. Exercise Director Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, USMC; and U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Heather Variava.
A total of 17,600 troops will participate in the combined joint exercises across the country, composed of 5,400 AFP troops and 12,200 United States military members. The Balikatan 38-23 will train shoulder-to-shoulder focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire exercise, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR). The AFP and U.S. forces will continue to work together during various exercises to promote readiness, interoperability, friendship, and security.
Moreover, the AFP Chief of Staff also expressed his gratitude to the participating PH-US forces who will enhance their joint and combined capabilities. “I am confident that both our Armed Forces shall reap invaluable benefits from this Balikatan Exercise as we continue to pursue our shared goals of regional peace, security, and stability,” said Gen. Centino.
Photos by Pfc Rodgen V. Quirante OACPA; AFP PAO