CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines -- Strong multinational coalitions and cohesive working relationships are the foundation of mission success.
The Pacific Airlift Rally is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, biennial, multinational exercise to build unity between military, civilian and non-governmental organizations and practice executing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
“Pacific Airlift Rally holds immense importance as it brings together nations in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance their humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities, and multinational airlift operations, with emphasis on collaborative efforts and partnerships, with the end in view of contributing to peace, security, and development in the region,” said Philippine Air Force Maj. Gen. Joannis Leonardi B. Dimaano, commander of the Air Mobility Command.
For PAR 23’s field training, the U.S. is combining forces with the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia air forces at Clark Air Base and Basa Air Base, Luzon Island, Philippines, Aug. 14 through 18, with the Philippine Air Force as the acting coalition commanding force. PAR 23 also includes a tabletop exercise that includes 14 allied and partner nations where key leaders with emergency management responsibilities will examine the predetermined hypothetical emergency situation and create a contingency plan, as well as a subject matter expert exchange where subject matter experts can share valuable knowledge and expertise on various subjects relating to the hypothetical scenario.
Interoperability training, education and exchange programs between international partners provide mutual advantages and promote cohesiveness between military leaders and servicemembers, creating a stable environment for peace-keeping efforts. The first PAR exercise was conducted in 1997.
“Some of the components of PAR 23 include subject-matter expert exchanges for Humanitarian and Disaster Relief operations, a tabletop exercise, and a field exercise,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Renee Schaefers, deputy coalition commander for PAR 23. “To be able to accumulate all this knowledge and expertise between the participating military forces, and then put it into physical practice, is a powerful advantage for everyone involved.”
A free and open Indo-Pacific provides prosperity and security for all, and promotes regional stability through a network of secure partnerships. The United States is dedicated to deepening cooperation across the region to confront common threats, protect shared resources, and uphold sovereignty.
“The U.S. military will continue to strengthen our relationships with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific indefinitely,” said Schaefers. “Through exercises such as Pacific Airlift Rally, we can grow and bond over a common goal, which is to preserve peace and stability throughout the region.”