PH, US navies conclude two-week training

THE Philippine and United States Navy completed a two-week combined exchange training on Monday, amid China’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

The training dubbed as Flash Piston 16-1, opened last Jan. 18 and culminated at the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) Headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Lt. Liezl Vidallon, Fleet Public Affairs Officer, said 60 sailors from the NAVSOG and 20 personnel from the USN Naval Special Warfare Unit-1 participated in the exercise.

“The [Navy’s] participation in this exercise provides an avenue for coordination in addressing maritime situational threats and also during emergencies or distress at sea,” she said.

Activities included exchange of practices on medical procedures, combat military marksmanship and human rights training.

Field training exercises focused on maritime interdiction activities such as Visit Board Search and Seizure and Gas/Oil Platform operations and planning.

“Enhancing capability through this kind of exercise enables the PN to assert more efficiency and effectiveness in the conduct of our mandated tasks,” said NAVSOG commander Captain Alfonspin Tumanda Jr.

The annual Flash Piston training started in 2008.