Navy Today

LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Wednesday, 10 March 2010


WHO: US and Philippine Navy Contingents that will form part of Balikatan 2010

WHAT: Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Capability Demonstration

WHEN: 13 March 2010 @ 8 a.m.

WHERE: In the vicinity of Manila Bay at 5 Nautical Miles Southwest off San Nicholas Shoal


DETAILS:


The RP-US Bilateral Exercise dubbed as Balikatan 2010 was formally opened last Monday, 09 March 2010 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Balikatan 2010 exercises also include Naval Forces (NAVFOR) events, Marine Forces (MARFOR) events, combined-joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise (EODEX)/Diving Exercise (DIVEX), and Combined Afloat Staff Planning.

Part of the NAVFOR events is the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) capability demonstration that will be showcased on 13 March 2010 at 10 a.m. in the vicinity of Manila Bay. Philippine Navy Logistics Support Vessel, BRP Dagupan City (LC 551) and the Patrol Ship, BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS 36) together with USS Harper’s Ferry will be the vessels that will show the maneuvers at sea in conducting VBSS. The members of the elite force of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) and the US Navy Seals will act as main actors during their real-time exhibition.

VBSS is a drill that harness maritime boarding actions and tactics, designed to capture enemy vessels, to combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling, and to conduct customs, safety and other inspections, as employed by modern navies, marine and maritime services, military and police forces. This capability is an integral part of the doctrine of the Navy to thwart maritime terrorism and to protect the vast and porous borders of our country against lawless elements.

Friends from the media are invited to cover the said event. A 25-seater Rosa Bus will be available to ferry media personnel. Said vehicle will be prepositioned on or about 7 a.m. beside AFP Public Affairs Office, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo and will depart 7:15 a.m. enroute to Philippine Navy Headquarters. A Navy vessel, BRP Leopoldo Regis (PG 847), will be made available and will preposition at Commodore Divino Pier, Headquarters Philippine Navy, Roxas Boulevard, Manila 8 o’clock in the morning to ferry observers and media to the exercise (at sea) area and back. Interested parties may coordinate with LTJG MARINETH R DOMINGO PN at mobile number 0917.817.1434 for more details.