PH, US conduct first-ever airborne exercise

MANILA — The Philippine Army and the United States Army conducted its first-ever combined airborne operations at Cesar Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga Sunday morning.

“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. Likewise, the combat interoperability with our US counterparts will also be strengthened,” said PA chief, Lt. Gen. Alberto Macairog.

Sunday’s exercise aimed to enhance the combined airborne and territorial defense capabilities and other competencies in urban combat operations of both Filipino and American troops.

Around 500 soldiers from the PA’s First Scout Ranger Regiment and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and the US Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) participated in the activities.

Macairog and Brig. Gen. Gregory Day, US Army Alaska deputy commanding general, witnessed the exercise which started when the troops from the two nations jumped off four US Lockheed C-130 cargo planes to simulate a massive and rapid deployment of troops.

Airborne operations are critical in responding to conventional threats, especially when the land and water forces are unable to infiltrate war areas to resupply troops and equipment