As thousands of troops prepare for Balikatan 25, the largest-ever iteration of the U.S.-Philippines bilateral exercise, Blount Island Command arrived in mid-March as a critical partner in combined joint logistics and maritime deployment. The command, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, ensures combat-ready equipment and supplies are readily available, serving as a logistical backbone for the exercise and demonstrating the U.S. commitment to its allies in the region. Some 16 nations will participate, including Australia and, for the first time, Japan.
equipment immediately upon coming off of the ship,” said Fazica, referring to the Marine Corps Platform Integration Center, which Blount Island Command developed to integrate digital tagging, sensors and real-time location tracking. It was named a finalist in this year’s 19th Annual RFID Journal Awards.
“This demonstrated the versatility of the system for use in any location,” said Fazica, emphasizing the team’s focus on integrating technology to optimize inventory management and asset visibility, as on-site experts of maritime prepositioning force operations.
Operating a crane, U.S. Navy cargo handlers lowered the discharge facility into the bay waters, then an improved Navy lighterage system for transferring gear ashore. Showing the combined-joint interoperability, the U.S. Army Vessel SSGT Robert T. Kuroda and Philippine heavy landing craft BRP Waray also transported gear.
It was a showcase of integrated theater logistics leveraging a wide range of equipment, from light tactical vehicles and 7-ton trucks to engineering and communications systems.
“This combination of logistical expertise, advanced technology and unwavering commitment makes Blount Island Command a critical contributor to the success of Exercise Balikatan 25,” said Watson, “and a vital asset in ensuring the readiness of U.S. forces and their allies in the Indo-Pacific region.”
