Navy, Air Force kick off 'Dagit 2015' military exercise in support of territorial defense

MANILA, Philippines - The Navy and the Air Force on Monday kicked off a joint exercise that seeks to strengthen their interoperability in performing territorial defense operations.

The “Dagit 2015” drills will be held at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite and within the vicinity of Manila Bay and Caballo Island.

The exercise will be conducted until September 18 and will include subject matter expertise exchanges, classroom instructions, table top exercise and joint training exercise.

“Dagit 2015 will focus on joint interoperability operations to enhance maritime, air to ground and special operations capability which will enhance further the ability of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force in safeguarding our territories, exclusive economic zone and claims of interests,” Navy public affairs chief Commander Lued Lincuna said.

The drills are being held amid China’s aggressiveness in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), a busy sea lane through which more than $5-trillion worth of trade passes through.

China, which claims about 90 percent of the South China Sea, has built artificial islands and structures on seven disputed reefs, a move seen by observers as a threat to freedom of navigation.

About 200 Air Force personnel and 150 Navy troopers will participate in the activity.

Navy assets that will join the exercises are an Islander plane, an AW109E helicopter, frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar, boat teams and SEAL teams of the Naval Special Operations Group, Sniper team of the Marines Special Operations Group, a communications van and a medical team.

The Air Force, meanwhile, will send two MD-520MG helicopters, two SF-260TP planes, two OV-10 planes, two UH1H/ UH-1D helicopters, a Huey II helicopters, one S-76A helicopter, a Sokol helicopter, a C130 cargo plane, a F-27 plane, two S211 jets, two sniper teams, a communications van and a medical team.

“Being the cutting edge in tactical operations, our involvement in this joint exercise speaks of our continuous pursuit for sustained air power. Working hand in hand with our counterparts in the Navy to promote this thrust is a rare opportunity,” said Brig. Gen. Domingo Palisoc Jr., chief of the Air Force’s 15th Strike Wing.

Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Leopoldo Alano said the successful conduct of the exercise would improve their capacity in formulating, planning and implementing protocols and operating manuals on maritime defense.

Dagit began in 2003 during the term of then Capt. Jose Luis Alano, with the Naval Air Group and 15th Strike Wing as the participating units.