When the time came for the wing component of the Philippine Navy (PN) to exhibit its capabilities in the world’s biggest maritime exercises, it made sure that it won’t disappoint hundreds of scrutinizing eyes that were looking at them.
The embarked Agusta Westland (AW) 109 helicopter of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) proudly showcased its capabilities during the combined anti-submarine warfare exercise (CASEX) of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2022 held in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
“During this exercise, personnel onboard a surface or air asset were tasked and trained to recognize a submarine maneuvering broached and submerged at periscope depth,” Commander Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson, said Tuesday, July 19.
Simply put, the troops from the PN Naval Air Wing were tested on their reaction when engaging a submarine at close range.
What made the drill more challenging for the PN was the fact it has yet to acquire its very first submarine, which means Navy personnel have limited means to study the warship, much less determine how best to interact with it.
But the PN passed the drill with flying colors, according to Negranza.
The wing component of the PN contingent to RIMPAC, the Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5, is led by Lt. Philipp Concepcion, pilot-in-command; and co-pilots Lt. Elvan Anthony Marcelo and Lt. Junior Grade Kevin John Reforba.
The AW 109 helicopter is among the more than 170 aircraft currently participating in RIMPAC in and around Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.
Navies from 26 countries joined this year’s iteration of RIMPAC that is ebing held from June 24 to August 4.