15 November 2004—The Mutual Defense Treaty Visiting Forces Agreement-related exercise TALON VISION 05 officially kicked off today at Clark Field, Pampanga with an opening ceremony at the Clark Field Officers Club.

Joint elements of the AFP Ready Deployable Force (RDF), together with US Marine personnel proceeded without delay to conduct joint field training exercises consisting of paradrops and academic exchanges aimed to enhance combat readiness and interoperability between members of the two armed forces. “These exercises will not only enhance the skills of our military to
effectively defend our country’s internal or external security, but it will also give their (US) armed forces the experience in working closely with their oldest ally in Southeast Asia, Visiting Forces Agreement Undersecretary Zosimo Paredes II said.

Members of the US Marine Corps and the Philippine Air Force visited the Home for the Aged, Pampanga Bahay Pag-ibig, where some of the residents used to work at the former US Bases in Clark.  The RP-US joint forces conversed with the elderly and donated used clothing to the residents of the institution at the end of the visit.   “The same group of RP and US military personnel will
proceed to the Munting Tahanan ng Nasaret on Thursday where they will visit and help feed the children with special needs,” Undersecretary Paredes said.  He added that the participants of TALON VISION 05 have been doing this kind of service to the community since the first Talon Vision in 2001.

The joint exercises between the lone superpower in the world and its staunch ally signals a stronger alliance between the two countries in combating terrorism.  With the recent re-election of President Bush, the US policy to underpin the fight against terrorism will continue to be a centerpiece in forging new, and strengthening old military alliances.

Exercise Talon Vision 05 will continue through the whole week with air and ground force training and academic exchanges.  The exercises will officially close on Friday, 19 November 2004, with a Friendship Jump at Clark Air Base, Pampanga. END.