OPISYAL ng nagsimula ang Marine Aviation Support Activity 2023 (MASA 2023) sa isang seremonyang idinaos sa Philippine Navy Officers’ Clubhouse, Naval Station Jose Francisco.

Layunin ng MASA 2023 na palakasin ang ugnayan at kakayanan ng Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, at United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific.

Isasagawa ang pagsasanay sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Luzon at Visayas simula Hulyo 6 hanggang 21.

“This year we are back again as a testament to the enduring alliance shared between the U.S. and the Philippines to enhance the combined and joint interoperability between nations in conducting tactical and heliborne operations. Over the coming days, we will engage in invaluable training, which will further strengthen our collective defense capabilities,” ani Col Brendan P Sullivan USMC, Commanding Officer, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.

Binigyan-diin naman ni MGen Arturo G Rojas PN(M), Commandant ng Philippine Marine Corps, ang kahalagahan ng pagsasanay.

“Aviation-supported operations require a high degree of coordination, precision, and synchronization. These exercises provide an invaluable opportunity for our Marines to familiarize themselves with the complexities of joint operations, enabling seamless integration of our aviation assets to support ground forces. Through joint and combined training like MASA, we refine our ability to maximize the advantages offered by our aircraft, enhancing our collective combat power and effectiveness,” ani Rojas.

Kumpiyansa naman si BGen Jimmy D Larida PN(M), Director ng Exercise Directorate Headquarters, na makatutulong ang bilateral exercise sa pagpapalakas ng ugnayan ng Philippine Marine Corps at US Marine Corps.