Troops in Balikatan in Casiguran disembark from a landing craft utility to simulate a typhoon aftermath scenario @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/1wj4MCma0X
— Frances Mangosing (@FMangosingINQ) May 15, 2017
CASIGURAN, Philippines – The United States used its air and sea assets here on Monday for the Balikatan drills in a simulation of a relief operation after a super typhoon.
The town of Casiguran is supposedly isolated after a monster typhoon, and the relief could not be immediately delivered by land as roads were difficult to access.
The V-22 Osprey, a multi-mission helicopter with vertical takeoff and landing and short takeoff and landing capabilities, was used for insertion of troops.
The UH-60 Black Hawk, a twin engine and medium-lift helicopter, was deployed to serve as air ambulance.
US Army uses Sikorsky Black Hawk in Balikatan in simulation of relief transport after a typhoon in Casiguran, Aurora. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/IwFhT8yptE
— Frances Mangosing (@FMangosingINQ) May 15, 2017
The US also used the USNS Sacagawea, a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, for ship to shore activities. Some of the assets of the Philippine military seen in the joint drills were AW-109 and Huey helicopters, and BRP Tarlac. This year’s Balikatan drills are focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster response upon the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte. JE
Soldiers use rigid hulled inflatable boats from the ships as it is the fastest means to transport personnel offshore @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/ooihCxligX
— Frances Mangosing (@FMangosingINQ) May 14, 2017
US V-22 Osprey used to transport relief & troops in simulation for typhoon aftermath for the Balikatan drills in Casiguran @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/dCDC9pvvhA
— Frances Mangosing (@FMangosingINQ) May 15, 2017
NOW: Aerial recon of Huey helicopters in Casiguran as part of civil military activities from the sea for Balikatan 2017 @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/E3rDRrbYQJ
— Frances Mangosing (@FMangosingINQ) May 14, 2017
