Philippine Navy and Air Force Hold Joint Drills

Aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) in combined maritime operations, the annual interoperability exercise between the two forces codenamed “Dagit” formally began in Cavite City, Philippines, on Monday in an opening ceremony headed by the Philippine Fleet Commander, Rear Adm. Jaime S Bernardino.

Focused in developing a joint capability for anti-surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations, Dagit will be conducted from Nov. 3-7, 2014 in areas of Naval Base Cavite, Sangley, Ternate, and Manila Bay.

The participating forces from the PN are composed of one patrol gunboat, four aircrafts and personnel from Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) and Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

On the other hand, PAF will be composed of seven aircrafts and personnel from 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW).

The activities will include subject matter expertise exchanges, shipboard tactical maneuvers, close air support operations, helicopter operations, gunnery exercises, maritime air surveillance, and communication exercises.

To strengthen camaraderie between the participating troops, sporting events and social interactions will also form part of the activity.

Enhancing capability through this joint exercise will enable both forces to assert more efficiency in the conduct of its mandated task. It also hopes to test and assess the tactical level communications between PAF and PN assets, as well as to strengthen mutual relationship and interoperability of the participants.

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Press release, Image: Philippine Navy