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Ch navy boat spotted in WPS Balikatan
By J.Lo
“Yes, there is presence of CN ,Chinese Navy vessel in the vicinity of our Balikatan ships conducting MME,” Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief and spokesman Capt. Ariel Coloma told reporters at least one Chinese naval vessel had been spotted in the vicinity of West Philippine Sea (WPS) where Philippines, United States and France were conducting Multilateral Maritime Exercises (MME) under Balikatan 2024.
Said grey ship of People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) was sighted,“we have reported one PLAN vessel with bow number 793 in the vicinity,” Coloma added, providing no further details.
MME, involving navies of the Philippines, US and France, is being held within exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.
Balikatan 2024 Combined Joint Information Bureau chief Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado said AFP, United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and French Navy successfully conducted Simulated Replenishment at Sea (RAS) exercise on Friday.
BRP Ramon Alcaraz led exercise with BRP Davao del Sur, French frigate FS Vendemiaire and landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry as participants.
Salgado said RAS exercise is aimed at maintaining operational readiness and extending operational range of naval fleets to ensure vessels can be resupplied while at sea, allowing them to remain operational without need for frequent port visits.
Salgado said continuation of Cross Deck Landing exercise involving four vessels and Philippine Navy helicopter was also conducted.
“Exercise tested coordination and precision required for helicopter landings on different vessels, vital skill in complex naval operations,” he said.
On Friday, Filipino Marines engaged their counterparts in US Marine Corp in joint air assault drill in Balabac Island, Palawan as part of ongoing Balikatan exercises, Salgado also said.
Drill involved simulated scenario requiring Filipino and US soldiers to team up in operations utilizing air assets, he added.
Utilizing USMC’s CH53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, Salgado said air assault exercise involved insertion of troops into designated zone, simulating rapid deployment scenario.
“This exercise demonstrates combined capabilities of Philippine and US Marines in conducting complex military operations,” Salgado said.
Balikatan 2024 is biggest iteration of joint training exercises between Filipino and American troops, for this year also involves armed forces of France and Australia, with 14 other countries acting as observers.
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