U.S. PHL troops conclude CARAT with amphibious landing exercise

SUBIC BAY - Members of the United States and Philippine Marines concluded Monday the five-day Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise with amphibious landing at the beach in San Antonio, Zambales.

The marines were on board USS Ashland and landed on the beach by hovercrafts or Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) of the U.S. Navy.

On the beach were amphibious assault vehicles, also of the American Navy.

They conducted combat exercise on the beach and surrounding terrain unmindful of the heavy rains.

“The training is okay. There are lots of information from the U.S. about combat,” PFC Almond Estrada of the Philippine Marines said.

Corporal Chris Cavey of the United States Marines enjoyed working with their Filipino counterparts.

“They are good guys, it is fun working with them, good experience,” he said.

Lance Corporal James Martinez and his companions said they learned a lot like in martial arts with the use of knife techniques.

“I have great time here, they are very professional, no language barrier,” he said.

“We’ve learned a lot in the training like the first aid, combat and the use of their new equipment,” said Philippine Marines Sgt. Ramil Escandor. (PNA)

PHOTOS:

[1] San Antonio, Zambales - An amphibious assault vehicle arrives during an amphibious assault exercise with U.S. Marines assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and Philippine marines held in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh/Released)

[2] San Antonio, Zambales – U.S. Marines, assigned 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, Bravo Company, conduct joint amphibious landing exercises with Philippine Marines during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gilbert A. Bolibol/RELEASED)