CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines -- The final batch of Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 arrived at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6 in support of Philippine Bilateral Exercise (PHIBLEX).
PHIBLEX is a training exercise with the Filipino armed forces aimed toward improving readiness and relations.
“Ultimately, our purpose here is to successfully conduct a bilateral training exercise with the Filipinos,” said Capt. Peter E. Ban, S-3 officer in charge. “As a support squadron we want to facilitate that in addition to promoting goodwill between the United States and the Philippines.”
According to Ban, the nearly 400 Marines and sailors from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni will be in the Philippines for roughly a month.
The majority of service members participating in the exercise are a part of MWSS- 171. Elements of Combat Logistics Company 36, Marine Aircraft Group 12 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 are also participating in the exercise but are not playing a dominate role.
“MWSS-171 is executing all 14 functions of aviation ground support; we are executing all of our (doctrinal) missions,” said Ban.
MWSS-171’s services include everything from aircraft rescue and firefighting to field mess and laundry services.
In addition to participating in the exercise, the Marines from MWSS-171 will be refurbishing a schoolhouse.
“We are out here doing what Marines do best, helping people,” said Sgt. Jason L. Stacy, the Operations noncommissioned officer for MWSS-171. “Helping the Filipinos out always gives me such a great sense of accomplishment.”
A number of community relations projects planned to occur during PHIBLEX have been cancelled or “lost in translation.”
The community relations cut back is a result of uncertainty of whether PHIBLEX would even happen. Flooding in Manila from multiple typhoons almost turned the entire exercise into a humanitarian mission.
“Our tasks are pretty clear; our intent is to execute the exercise as planned,” said Ban.
“That doesn’t mean we won’t continue to assist in the relief effort. It just means we will be double tasking. This coming month we will be showing what we do best as Marines and as a squadron. It’s going to be pretty amazing to watch everyone demonstrate their full spectrum of capabilities. This is their moment to shine, and I have full faith that they will.”