U.S., Philippine militaries kick-off Pacific Angel

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Son Lee
  • Operation Pacific Angel- Philippines Public Affairs
DUMAGUETE, Philippines --  Approximately 55 U.S. servicemembers, along with Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local non-governmental organizations, recently joined forces to kick-off Operation Pacific Angel, a humanitarian mission scheduled here March 4 through 9.

A Philippines Air Force C-130 landed at Dumaguete City Airport March 1, to deliver initial medical supplies, making it the first time any host nation has assisted with airlift operations since Pacific Angel began in 2007. A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft was scheduled to deliver the supplies, but the runway length made it impossible.

"We were informed that the U.S. C-17 could not land here in Dumaguete because it is too large, so we had to help," said AFP Col. Cristopher Estella, deputy mission commander for Pacific Angel- Philippines. "The transport is also a part of the joint exercise."

American and Filipino servicemembers worked side-by-side unloading the cargo, making the process more efficient while getting to know their counterparts.

Besides the delivery of medical supplies, security personnel from the AFP, the USAF and Philippine National Police participated in a March 2 subject-matter expert exchange with their counterparts at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office.

As the lecture portion of the exchange began, it became apparent that many training similarities exist between the three organizations.

"Having similar training provides many benefits," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Johnson, a security officer for Pacific Angel- Philippines. "Similarities provide an easier route for joining forces and creating a unified security plan."

Although the exchange was conducted in preparation for Pacific Angel- Philippines, there are other benefits from the opportunity to learn techniques from other organizations.

"We have a lot going on here, to include the upcoming elections," said Noli Andrade Romana, NOPPO police senior superintendent and provincial director. "We are grateful for the opportunity to teach and learn from other organizations so we can utilize those skills during the elections."

During Pacific Angel - Philippines, two medical care sites and three engineering civic action program events will be conducted throughout the province.

"We have already worked diligently together while strengthening our already strong bilateral bond through preparing for the operation itself," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alvin Alana, Pacific Angel- Philippines mission commander. "With these kind of exchanges already happening, I cannot wait to see the quality service and exchanges that will occur."

Officially in its sixth year, Operation Pacific Angel is a joint and combined humanitarian assistance exercise led by Pacific Air Forces. The exercise is a capacity building and experience sharing effort hosted by U.S. Pacific Command and implemented jointly with other governments, non-governmental agencies and multilateral militaries in the Asia Pacific region to provide medical, dental, optometry, and engineering assistance to their citizens. The experience gained through participation in this mission can be applied during future humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.