TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES -- Philippine and United States Marines came together for the opening ceremony of Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX) here, Oct. 4, 2016.

PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships.

“The training ahead is specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of our forces and strengthen our ability to cooperate for disaster relief and regional security,” said Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen, commanding general of 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

More than 1,400 U.S. service members based in Okinawa, Japan, and 500 Armed Forces of the Philippines members will be participating in the exercise where they will continue to enhance their relationship through commitment, cooperation and capability.

“For more than three decades, the Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps, being strong allies in the Asia-Pacific region, built capacities and capabilities on a wide range of operations,” said Maj. Gen. Andre Costales Jr.,” the Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. “Without interoperability, the integration inside of an organization is in danger. I remain steadfast in the call for jointness, the call for cooperation.”

In the past, amphibious landing capabilities practiced during exercises such as PHIBLEX have been used in real life operations.

“This landing is not just about projecting power from sea to shore, it is about growing a capability, a capability that has saved live during times of crises,” said Jansen. “This unique amphibious acumen has enabled our combined forces to bring in water, medical supplies and relief whether by helicopter or landing craft.”

The exercise is scheduled to end Oct. 12, 2016.