U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr., ambassador to the Philippines,  U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, commander, U.S. Army Pacific, and Undersecretary Erlinda F. Basilio, the acting secretary of foreign affairs for the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, were among the dignitaries attending the ceremony.

U.S. Marine forces, a Marine Air Ground Task Force comprised of units from III Marine Expeditionary Force, are participating in this year’s exercise. 

The name Balikatan means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, the native language of the Philippines. This word was chosen to emphasize the collaborative nature of the exercise.

“Once again the armed forces from both nations will come together to exchange knowledge and benefit the many communities of the Philippines with healthcare and improving the quality of life,” said Rear Adm. Victor Emmanuel C. Martir, the exercise director for the Philippines.

During his opening remarks, Thomas discussed the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck northern Japan March 11.

“The recent tragedy in Japan reminds us why Balikatan is so important. It is this kind of planning that enables our forces to be effective and respond to a natural disaster and other crises that threaten public health and safety,” he said.

During the next two weeks, as a part of a knowledge exchange, the U.S. Marine Corps and the AFP are scheduled to participate in bilateral field training exercises as well as civil military operations and humanitarian assistance in order to better prepare for future humanitarian relief operations. 

Training events will include military operations in urban terrain, non-lethal weapons training, martial arts, combat life-saving training and live-fire exercises.

“Our partnership here in Balikatan will surely be a memorable one as we commit ourselves in the interest of peace, stability and development,” said Martir.