For the first time, U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) embarked and launched on a Philippine Navy sea lift vessel, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), off the coast of Luzon, Oct. 2-9, in order to expand both militaries’ operational support capabilities. This kind of integrated training prepares the Philippine vessel to carry Philippine Marine Corps AAVs in the future, which are slated for service in 2019. BRP Tarlac supports various operations, including maritime security, counterpiracy, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and some law enforcement operations.
KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mandirigna Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of Warriors from the Sea.”
