ISA sa naging tampok sa ginaganap na Balikatan 39-2024 iteration ang matagumpay na live fire exercises ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) at United States Marine Corps (USMC) sa Campong Ulay, isang coastal town sa Rizal, Palawan.

Ipinakita ng joint marines forces ang kakayahan ng High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at iba pang key assets sa isinagawang simulated coastal defense scenario.

Sinimulan ang pagsasanay sa pagpapaputok ng HIMARS tungo sa direksyon ng ilang mock targets sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The precision and long-range hitting capabilities of this state-of-the-art artillery system demonstrated its importance in contemporary conflict scenarios,” ayon kay Lt. Col. John Paul C. Salgado, chief, Combined Joint Information Bureau, BK 39-2024.

Kasunod ng pagbanat ng HIMARS sa kanilang mga designated target ay ang pagtudla naman sa mga target ng Philippine Marines gamit kanilang 105mm howitzer.

“This combined use of advanced rocket systems and artillery demonstrates the PMC’s proficiency in employing diverse weaponry for effective coastal defense,” ani Col Salgado.

“In order to simulate a rapid response situation, two Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles were launched from a nearby amphibious vessel and joined the forces on the beach. This demonstrated the rapid deployment and mobility of maritime assets, essential for effective response and defense in coastal areas,” dagdag pa ng Balikatan information office chief.

Sinasabing ang matagumpay na pagsasagawa ng Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise ay nagpapakita rin ng interoperability at proficiency ng mga magka-alyadong puwersa ng Pilipinas at United States para mapanatili ang ‘peace, security, and prosperity’ sa rehiyon.

(JESSE KABEL RUIZ)