FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga – About 500 paratroopers from the Philippines and United States armies participated in the first large-scale airborne operations exercise between the two countries at Basa Airbase here yesterday.
With their 75-pound full blown parashoots on full display against the clear skies serving as a backdrop, the paratroopers masterfully geared themselves after simultaneously jumping from four C-130 transport planes at the height of 1,200 feet to avoid bumping into each other and land on their target areas safely.
Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commanding general of the Philippine Army, said the one-day exercise was aimed at testing their capability to conduct airborne operations with their counterpart from the US.
“This training will enhance our troops’ technical expertise in airborne operations, enabling our combat units to better respond to future contingency operations and other security challenges,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Gregory Day, Army National Guard deputy commanding general for US Army Alaska, said such type of combined, tactical level training “builds both forces’ technical competence, fosters interoperability, and provides a greater understanding of how the allied nations’ forces conduct operations.”
“The Philippines is one of our most important friends, allies, and partners in the region. In order for us to work together effectively, it’s important that we train together,” Day said.
Airborne operations are usually being conducted when troops can’t penetrate a target area by means of land or water operation. (Martin Sadongdong)