Saturday, May 7, 2011

Navy conducts 5-day exercise in La Union

By Elena L Aben
Manila Bulletin, Saturday, May 7, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — To enhance inter-operability of the country's regular and reserve naval forces, the Philippine Navy (PN) is conducting a joint five-day exercise dubbed “Pagsasama 2011” at the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) in San Fernando, La Union.

Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, Navy spokesman, said the annual exercises being held from May 9 to 13 involve maritime stakeholders in accordance with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” and the development of common operational practices and naval tactics.

“It will be participated in by Philippine Navy units, reserve forces, and the local government units and non-government organizations of La Union,” said Tonsay.

He said the joint exercises aim to enhance the readiness and inter-operability of PN Reserve Force and PN Affiliated Reserve Units (PNARU) to respond to the call of service, specifically in maritime security operations and inter-agency operations during the conduct of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR) operations.

“The following are the events comprising the exercise: Cross Training Exercises/Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), CMO, At-Sea Fleet Training Exercises (FTX), and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response (HA/DR) Exercises. The participation of the LGUs and NGOs is incorporated in the CMO activities, which will emphasize the Nolcom Camplan “Ugnayan” in relation to the IPSP “Bayanihan” of the AFP,” said Tonsay.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy Flag-Officer-in- Command, Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama said: “This exercise is of utmost importance to the Navy and maritime stakeholder interests as it reinforces the bond between the active and reservist Navy personnel, as well as other stakeholders towards a stable and progressive maritime environment.”

“What is most significant in this year’s exercise is the fact that the Reservists are actively involved in all four phases of the exercise – from planning, to execution, to termination, and evaluation of the event,” he added.

MB.com

No comments:

Post a Comment