SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines -- The Amphibious Landing Exercise 2013 opening ceremony took place aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 8.

More than 300 U.S. Marines and sailors and service members from the armed forces of the Philippines gathered to commemorate the 29th iteration of the bilateral and interagency training exercise, which gives both militaries a chance to train together on a wide range of capabilities, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

"PHIBLEX 2013 is an opportunity, a venue and an exchange of professional expertise and technological advancement between the Philippine Navy, Air Force, Army, local government units, defense leaders and our counterparts, the United States Marine Corps," said AFP Brigadier Gen. Remigio C. Valdez, exercise director for PHIBLEX 2013.

The 10-day exercise will be conducted by 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and units of all four services of the AFP. PHIBLEX 2013 is scheduled to include air raids, artillery training, beach landings, engineering civic action projects, community health engagements, a staff planning exercise and a final live-fire exercise utilizing tactics and capabilities of both the U.S. and AFP.

"We are building relationships with our Philippine counterparts that will prove beneficial to all," said Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake, commanding general, 3rd MEB. "We are aiming at improving the capabilities of the Philippine and U.S. Marines and continuing to strengthen the ties between our two nations."