Modernization Marines try out one of the Amphibious Assault Vehicles recently acquired by the Navy at the Subic Bay Freeport. JONAS REYES
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Philippine Marines Corp. (PMC) is maximizing opportunities to put its new amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) into action and the marines simply love using them.
PMC spokesman Capt. Felix Serapio said the inclusion of the AAVs to various joint exercises like the DAGIT-PA and the on-going KAMANDAG drills held in Ternate, Cavite yesterday showcased their newfound capabilities.
During the “DAGIT PA” exercise, four AAV participated in ship-to-shore exercise off Subic Bay, Zambales.
“DAGIT-PA” short for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” is a joint exercise with Air Force, Navy, and Army units and ran from 16 to 27 September while “KAMANDAG” (“Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat”) is scheduled from 9 to 18 October and consists of Marine units from the Philippines, United States, and Japan.
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“Since the AAVs are new in our inventory, we are maximizing our opportunities to put them into action because we are applying our amphibious doctrines and integrating it with the newly-acquired technology,” Serapio said.
He added that the purpose of these AAVs joining military drills is for the Marines and Navy to become proficient when utilizing these machines.
“This will also enhance the proficiency of our Marines and the Navy as a whole. Our Marine Corps regularly conducts retraining activities — rotational to every battalion to refresh their skills,” Serapio said.
The PHP2.42 billion AAV is armed with .50-caliber machine guns, 40mm grenade launchers and smoke launchers and will be used for amphibious landing operations.
They are based aboard the two strategic sealift vessels — the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).
