MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Combat Logistics Company 36, Marine Aircraft Group 12, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, and several other units here are scheduled to deploy to the Philippines in support of PHIBLEX 11.
PHIBLEX, formerly known as Balikitan, is a bilateral exercise conducted in conjunction with the Filipino Air Force and the Republic of the Philippines to increase readiness and develop professional relationships between the two forces.
“It’s good to work out some of the details and tactics when you’re on deployment and get to see different types of aircraft and facilities,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Maybach, VMFA(AW)-224 commanding officer.
An initial group of CLC-36 Marines are scheduled to depart on a three-day trip aboard a High Speed Vessel on a direct route to the Philippines.
While deployed for exercises, CLC-36 supports other units by providing sustained combat logistics through maintenance, supply and operational services.
For Exercise PHIBLEX, CLC-36 will providing a lot of community service support.
“Our biggest piece out of (the trip) is carrying over Iwakuni’s (Marine Corps Exchange). The (MCX) goes down there with us, disbursing goes down there with us, and we support all the 3rd echelon work,” said Sgt. William H. Smith, CLC-36 operations chief. “As far as the units that go out there, this is their chance to do their infantry training.”
When units like VMFA(AW)-224 deploy, their main purpose is to provide aerial and operational support to allied forces.
“We show (the Filipino forces) how to do some close-air support. It’s a big deal for them,” said Maybach.
The exercise gives Filipino forces a chance to work side-by-side with U.S. forces and gives U.S. troops an opportunity to get operational with their Filipino counterparts.
“A lot of Marines get comfortable just working in an office and shop environment. This gives them an opportunity to set up outside, put up a tent, work with no power and have to do everything by hand,” said Smith.
“To me, it’s really good they get to step out of their basic (military occupational specialty) and get to step into something a little more challenging,” he added.
Smith said the only factor that can delay the movement of gear throughout the exercise is heavy rainfall from typhoon season.
This year’s PHIBLEX is slated to begin Oct. 14 and end Oct. 23.