Marines TV

U.S. Marine SSgt. Clark S. Hefflefinger from Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, describes the strategic significance of how the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System was transported and operated throughout the Philippine archipelago during Balikatan 16 at Palawan, Philippines, April 12, 2016. This marks the first time the HIMARS were fired in the Philippines, in its 32nd interaction. BK16 trains U.S. service members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to increase combined readiness to crisis and conflict across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Pfc. David Delgadillo/Released)

Philippine and U.S. service members repair a school building as part of Exercise Balikatan 2016 at an Engineering Civic Action Project (ENCAP) site at Matangharon Elementary School in Iloilo, Philippines, April 09, 2016. The purpose of the ENCAP is to repair a school building that was damaged from Typhoon Yolanda. The exercise provides an opportunity for Philippine and U.S. forces to continue strengthening relationships, increase interoperability and improve upon disaster preparedness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. René Lucerobonilla/ Released)

Before humanitarian civic assistance project sites can begin construction for exercises like Exercise Balikatan 2016, civil affairs service members build community relationships through key leader engagements.

Opening ceremony of Balikatan 2016, aboard Camp Aguinaldo, April 4, 2016. Balikatan, which means "shoulder to shoulder" in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. This year marks the 32nd iteration of the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

Philippine and U.S. service members build a classroom as part of a humanitarian civic assistance project during Exercise Balikatan 2016 at San Nicolas Elementary School in Capiz, Philippines April 02, 2016. The exercise provides an opportunity for Philippine and U.S. forces to continue strengthening relationships and work together. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. René Lucerobonilla/ Released)

U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Buniag, logistics officer, assigned to 303rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 9th Mission Support Command, speaks about logistical support for Exercise Balikatan 2016 at Jaena Norte Elementary School in Capiz, Philippines April 02, 2016. The exercise provides an opportunity for Philippine and U.S. forces to continue strengthening relationships and work together. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. René Lucerobonilla/ Released)