An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  
pilot inside a cockpit salutes towards out of frame person PACAF F-16 Demo Team conducts final flight after 30 years of enhancing U.S. relations worldwide
PACAF F-16 Demo Team conducts final flight after 30 years of enhancing U.S. relations worldwide
See More
Two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation over Northern Luzon, Philippines, during KAMANDAG 9, May 27, 2025. KAMANDAG 9: VMM-364 Inserts Marines into Basco Island, Philippines
KAMANDAG 9: VMM-364 Inserts Marines into Basco Island, Philippines
See More
An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 12:01 Pacific Time May 21, 2025, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Operational Test Launch GT 253 is a 'Glory Trip' for wing
Operational Test Launch GT 253 is a 'Glory Trip' for wing
See More
E/A-18G Growlers from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 fly near the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 27, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
See More
The State Office of Veterans’ Services hosted the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29, 2025, at the Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi. Governor's Memorial Day Ceremony
Governor's Memorial Day Ceremony
See More
U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, engage targets during a high explosive in support of Exercise KAMANDAG 9 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, May 22, 2025. KAMANDAG 9: 3d LCT conducts high explosive battle drills
KAMANDAG 9: 3d LCT conducts high explosive battle drills
See More
U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, set security for U.S. Army Soldiers with the 23rd Chemical Battalion during joint chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense training during Korea Viper 25.4 at Camp Stanley, South Korea, May 20, 2025. Activated Reserve Marines Conduct CBRN Response Training with U.S. Army during Korea Viper 25.4
Activated Reserve Marines Conduct CBRN Response Training with U.S. Army during Korea Viper 25.4
See More
Two F-35B Lightning II fighter aircrafts from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, prepare to land on the flight deck the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the East China Sea, May 20. USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations
USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations
See More
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 14, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
See More
Participants of the Four Chaplain Memorial Run and Ruck trek through the Norwegian Foot March course at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 17, 2025. The NFM was first held in 1915 to test the physical stamina of soldiers in the Norwegian Army and prepare them for long marches in harsh conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams) Four Chaplains: Norwegian Foot March
Four Chaplains: Norwegian Foot March
See More
U.S. Marine Corps Marines assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct a military free fall demonstration during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2025 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025 U.S., Japan display interoperability during Friendship Jump 2025
U.S., Japan display interoperability during Friendship Jump 2025
See More
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron sits on the flight line during the 2025 Japanese-American Friendship Festival fireworks display at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025. FF25: Blaze of Friendship
FF25: Blaze of Friendship
See More
The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives in Wellington, New Zealand, May 16, 2025. Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time
Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time
See More
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Eric Solano, an infantry rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, conducts room clearings as a part of military operations in urban terrain training during Korea Viper 25.4 at Pohang, South Korea, May 10, 2025. Activated Reserve Marines Conduct MOUT Training during Korea Viper 25.4
Activated Reserve Marines Conduct MOUT Training during Korea Viper 25.4
See More
A U.S. Marine rappels during Jungle Leaders Course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, May 02, 2025. U.S. Marines Execute Casualty Evacuation Training during Jungle Leaders Course
U.S. Marines Execute Casualty Evacuation Training during Jungle Leaders Course
See More
U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct paddling and broaching drills during small boat refresher course at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, May 3, 2025. 31st MEU Boat Company conducts Small Boat Skills during MEUEX
31st MEU Boat Company conducts Small Boat Skills during MEUEX
See More
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly over Wake Island enroute to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 10, 2025. F-35B Lightning IIs fly over Wake Island
F-35B Lightning IIs fly over Wake Island
See More
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) transits Apra Harbor, Naval Base Guam, May 13, 2025. USS Minnesota (SSN 783) returns to Naval Base Guam
USS Minnesota (SSN 783) returns to Naval Base Guam
See More
Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 fast-rope out of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 11, 2025. The Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner) EOD members conduct fast-rope ops onto USS Nimitz in South China Sea
EOD members conduct fast-rope ops onto USS Nimitz in South China Sea
See More
Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP
Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP
See More
Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles perform aerial maneuvers during Osan Air Power Days at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 11, 2025. Their performance demonstrated expert precision flying and highlighted the strength of the U.S.-ROK partnership as thousands of attendees looked on. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tallon Bratton) Respect the Past, Forge the Future: Air Power Days Returns to Osan
Respect the Past, Forge the Future: Air Power Days Returns to Osan
See More
U.S. Marines with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to embark an MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 265 (Rein.) during a quick response force rehearsal as a part of MEU Exercise, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 3, 2025. 31st MEU conducts quick response force rehearsal for MEUEX
31st MEU conducts quick response force rehearsal for MEUEX
See More
Capt. Justin Eckhoff, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), observes a replenishment-at-sea with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) from the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 5, 2025. Nimitz Sailors Conduct a Refueling-at-Sea
Nimitz Sailors Conduct a Refueling-at-Sea
See More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Colby Delia, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron crew chief, marshals a B-1B Lancer on a flight line during Bomber Task Force 25-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 3, 2025. BTF 25-2: Seventh Mission Operations
BTF 25-2: Seventh Mission Operations
See More
Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
See More
A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, runs with a refueling hose to refuel an AH-64 Apache assigned to 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in support of Exercise Balikatan 25, April 29, 2025. Balikatan 25: B Co. 3-25 exfils Gimlets
Balikatan 25: B Co. 3-25 exfils Gimlets
See More
U.S. Air Force, Navy and Army assets line the runway for an elephant walk. BH 25-2: Kadena demonstrates Indo-Pacific readiness with joint elephant walk
BH 25-2: Kadena demonstrates Indo-Pacific readiness with joint elephant walk
See More
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 is guided onto the catapult on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Philippine Sea, April 30, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
See More
A Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft with the 11th Fighter Wing takes off from Gwangju Air Base, South Korea, during exercise Freedom Flag 25-1, April 30, 2025. U.S. Air Force participates in Freedom Flag 25-1
U.S. Air Force participates in Freedom Flag 25-1
See More
A search and rescue swimmer is lifted into an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 during training in the Philippine Sea, April 29, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Search and Rescue Training
Nimitz Conducts Search and Rescue Training
See More
Philippine Marines with the 3rd Marine Brigade load an M101 105mm Howitzer, a light field artillery weapon, as part of a counter landing live fire during Exercise Balikatan 25 at Rizal, Philippines, April 28, 2025. Balikatan 25: U.S., Philippine, Australian Forces Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
Balikatan 25: U.S., Philippine, Australian Forces Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
See More
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 5th Battalion, 3rd Artillery Regiment, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, staged with a U.S. Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System for a training iteration in support of Exercise Balikatan 25, in Palawan, Philippines, April 28, 2025. Staging
Staging
See More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Colby Delia, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron crew chief, marshals a B-1B Lancer on a flight line during Bomber Task Force 25-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 3, 2025. MQ-9 maintainers, planners integrate during Freedom Flag 25-1
MQ-9 maintainers, planners integrate during Freedom Flag 25-1
See More
U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3 post security during on-off drills from Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin to Robertson Barracks, Darwin, Australia, April 29, 2025. MRF-D 25.3: Marines conduct on-off drills
MRF-D 25.3: Marines conduct on-off drills
See More
U.S. Air Force Air Commandos assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing jump from an MC-130J Commando II during static line jump training as part of Exercise Balikatan 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 25, 2025. Balikatan 25: 353rd SOW, Philippine Special Forces Regiment conduct static line jump training
Balikatan 25: 353rd SOW, Philippine Special Forces Regiment conduct static line jump training
See More
A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, and U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets fly together with Philippine Air Force FA-50PH fighter jets during a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, April 29, 2025. Australia, Philippines, and U.S. Conduct Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity
Australia, Philippines, and U.S. Conduct Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity
See More
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler T. Hallman, a native of Maryland and a low altitude air gunner with 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conducts a weapons maintenance check on the Marine Air Defense Integrated System during the Integrated Air and Missile Defense event as a part of Exercise Balikatan 25, at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, Philippines, April 24, 2025. Balikatan 25: MADIS initial live fire drill
Balikatan 25: MADIS initial live fire drill
See More
U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3 board a MV-22B Osprey during on-off drills from Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin to Robertson Barracks, Darwin, Australia, April 29, 2025. MRF-D 25.3: Marines conduct on-off drills
MRF-D 25.3: Marines conduct on-off drills
See More
U.S. Marines with Medium-Range Missile Battery, 3d Marine Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division conduct a simulated fire-mission with the Navy-Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System in Basco, Philippines, April 26, 2025. Balikatan 25: Marines deploy NMESIS to Basco
Balikatan 25: Marines deploy NMESIS to Basco
See More
Philippine Army soldiers from the 5th and 7th Infantry Division and U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division conduct helocast training during the Jungle Operations Training Course (JOTC) at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 27, 2025. Balikatan 25: JOTC Completes HELOCAST Insertion Training
Balikatan 25: JOTC Completes HELOCAST Insertion Training
See More
Australian soldiers with 5th/7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment step off an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during an air insert from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, to Rizal in support of Exercise Balikatan 25, April 23, 2025. Balikatan 25: MRF – D 25.3, ADF conduct air insert into Rizal
Balikatan 25: MRF – D 25.3, ADF conduct air insert into Rizal
See More
U.S Marines aim at a target in a night shoot during a Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2025. Night Shoot | Marines participate in a Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course
Night Shoot | Marines participate in a Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course
See More
A U.S. Marine Corps MK36 wrecker with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing pulls a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2025. MASS-2 recovers tactical vehicle in rain
MASS-2 recovers tactical vehicle in rain
See More
A military aircraft takes off from a ship, leaving purple smoke behind against a dark sky. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
See More
A Sailor awaits confirmation to signal the seating of the catapult onto an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Kestrels" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 before launching from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Philippine Sea, April 22, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
See More
A B-1B Lancer assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, lands at Misawa Air Base, Japan, during Bomber Task Force 25-2, April 18, 2025. B-1B Lancers arrive at Japan for BTF 25-2 Deployment
B-1B Lancers arrive at Japan for BTF 25-2 Deployment
See More
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean, April 22, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
See More
Eleven military aircraft of varying sizes fly in formation against a grey sky. ROK, US forces showcase airpower ahead of Freedom Flag 25-1
ROK, US forces showcase airpower ahead of Freedom Flag 25-1
See More
A C-130J Super Hercules equipped with external fuel tanks, assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron, leaves for a Max Endurance Operation enroute to support Exercise Balikatan 25 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 17, 2025. Balikatan 25: 317th AW delivers varsity airlift to the Indo-Pacific
Balikatan 25: 317th AW delivers varsity airlift to the Indo-Pacific
See More
U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-rope from a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), during alternate insertion and extraction training on Landing Zone Swallow at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 18, 2025. 31st MEU | Fast Rope Sustainment
31st MEU | Fast Rope Sustainment
See More
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 and an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Kestrels" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 fly in formation alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during VFA 22’s change of command ceremony in the Pacific Ocean, April 17, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
See More
A B-1B Lancer assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, lands at Misawa Air Base, Japan, kicking off Bomber Task Force 25-2, April 15, 2025. US Airmen deploy in support of first Bomber Task Force mission to Japan
US Airmen deploy in support of first Bomber Task Force mission to Japan
See More
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brian Goetz, an infantry Marine with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, posts security with an M4 carbine during a jungle field exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2025. 31st MEU | Jungle Field Exercise
31st MEU | Jungle Field Exercise
See More
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Trevor Bailey, from Post Fall, Idaho, assigned to the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 communicates with the pilots of an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during flight operations aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while underway in the Coral Sea, April 11, 2025. USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducts flight operations in the Coral Sea
USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducts flight operations in the Coral Sea
See More
Two U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancers fly in formation with two U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons and two Republic of Korea Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs in airspace over the western region of ROK, April 16, 2025. B-1s train with ROKAF, conduct flyover
B-1s train with ROKAF, conduct flyover
See More
Philippine Army Soldiers with the First Squat Regiment and U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, conducted a jungle tracking course during Salaknib 2025, Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 9, 2025. Philippine and U.S. Soldiers Enhance Interoperability in Jungle Tracking Course
Philippine and U.S. Soldiers Enhance Interoperability in Jungle Tracking Course
See More
Four Indian solders in tactical gear stand on a beach as a U.S. Navy landing craft splashes ashore in the background. U.S., Indian joint forces conduct large-scale amphibious landing drill during Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025
U.S., Indian joint forces conduct large-scale amphibious landing drill during Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025
See More
Sailors prepare to launch an EA-18G Growler, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln conducts flight operations
Abraham Lincoln conducts flight operations
See More
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies over Yokota Air Base, Japan, during a training mission, April 8, 2025. Yokota in full bloom
Yokota in full bloom
See More
A Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 transits the Juliet Basin alongside the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173) at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) in support of the Sasebo Fleet Friendship Day open-base event April 5, 2025. CFAS Hosts Sasebo Fleet Friendship Day
CFAS Hosts Sasebo Fleet Friendship Day
See More


  >>>

PACOM Stories

32nd Exercise Balikatan Opens at Camp Aguinaldo

04 April 2016

From Sgt. Erik Estrada

Download Icon Download
CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Philippines – Government officials and senior military leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Armed Forces announced the opening of Exercise Balikatan 2016, April 4.

“Balikatan brings our armed forces together in bilateral activity that will not only validate our procedures in joint military operations,” said Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez, Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command commander and the exercise director for the Philippine Forces. “But more importantly will strengthen our long standing camaraderie and friendship.”

The Philippines and U.S. have been treaty allies and longstanding defense cooperation partners, dating back to their Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. 

“All of us being here today demonstrates an ironclad commitment to each other, and our respective peoples,” said Lt. Gen. John Toolan, the commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and the exercise director for U.S. forces. “Today, we truly stand side-by-side.”

Approximately 5,000 U.S., 3,500 AFP, and 80 Australian Defence Force personnel will take part in the 32nd iteration of the exercise. This year’s Balikatan will focus on three simultaneous events through one single scenario across the Philippine islands, Luzon, Palawan and Panay. 

“The single scenario that will last through all events,” Toolan said. “It focuses on training and enhancing the capabilities of the AFP, U.S. and Australian armed forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that could endanger the public’s health and safety.” 

Joint forces will be conducting Humanitarian Civic Assistance projects to improve HCA interoperability between the participating nations and improve the local community as well as a bilateral Simulation Supported Event, force integration training and an operational event at Crow Valley, Clark Air Field, Fort Magsaysay, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Subic Bay, and Antique Bay in Panay.

“Balikatan represents our security alliance to the Philippines,” said Philip S. Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. “The skills learned at this exercise will serve both of our countries well, whatever challenges faced in the future.”

 

News Archive

Guidance-Card-Icon Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon