Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
Flags from both nations are retired, during the opening ceremony of Balikatan 2016, aboard Camp Aguinaldo, April 4, 2016. Balikatan, which means "shoulder to shoulder" in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise focused on improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. This year marks the 32nd iteration of the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Erik Estrada)