THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Joint Exercise (AJEX) held a unilateral exercise conceptualized to enhance the country’s military capabilities by utilizing its existing forces in a joint training environment.
The said war exercise were composed of three Joint Interoperability Events (JIOEs) namely; Amphibious Operations, Island Defense and Combined Arms Live Fire Exercises.
AJEX DAGIT-PA JIOE 1 – Amphibious Operation is a military operation launched from the sea by an Amphibious Force (AF) to conduct landing force operations within the littorals. AF is primarily composed of Amphibious Task Force (ATF) and Amphibious Landing Force (ALF).
Amphibious Operations require the unique ability to operate across air, land and sea.
For this year, Commander, Joint Task Force Karagatan led by Commo. Caesar Bernard Valencia was tasked to spearhead the execution of Joint Interoperability Event 1 – Amphibious Operation. As to its task forces, Navy Capt. Edward Ike De Sagon led the Amphibious Force together with Marine Col. Simplitius Adecer as the commander of ALF and Navy Capt. Norman Mutia as the commander of ATF.
As described by the acronym JIOE, the amphibious operation conducted for this year’s AJEX DAGIT-PA was a collaborative effort of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Army and Philippine Air force showcasing their latest acquired assets and capabilities. The Navy sent its complete assets and personnel for sea, land and air.
Participated by its newest fleet asset, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) which performed and tested its capability in Naval Surface Fire Support. BRP Tarlac (LD601), one of PN’s Strategic Sealift Vessels, also participated as the launching platform of the amphibious forces. LD601’s two landing craft units, BRP Capas and BRP Pura, was also utilized to transport the landing forces.
The PN’s AW109 helicopter NH432 was also part of the exercise which performed the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Amphibious Close Air Support.
On the other hand, the Philippine Marine Corps also flaunted the capabilities of its Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs). The AAVs, which is the main asset used for an amphibious operation, are armored vehicles that are designed to operate both in land and at sea. It acts as a connecting platform during a ship-to-objective maneuvers.
Personnel from the Naval Special Operation Command were also part of JIOE1.
They executed the hydrographic reconnaissance which is pertinent in the conduct of amphibious operations. Likewise, the Naval Combat Engineers of Naval Construction and Engineering Brigade were also one of the important players in the conduct of amphibious operation since they will be in-charged in clearing the beach from any obstacles like mines.
The successful conduct of AJEX DAGIT-PA is a manifestation that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is indeed in full speed on its modernization and transformation.
Development of its doctrines are on continuous process to validate its applicability, effectivity and efficiency as it continues to acquire new assets. Likewise, training of its personnel is being intensified for them to be equipped and capacitated with the required skills and knowledge on their chosen field of specialization.