Salaknib 2025: Combined joint force executes logistics over-the-shore operation in the Philippines

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—In a demonstration of interoperability and precision sustainment, U.S. and Philippine service members participating in Exercise Salaknib 25 successfully demonstrated the critical capability of combined joint logistics over-the-shore (CJLOTS) operations in Dingalan, Aurora, Philippines, from April 4 to 9, 2025.

Nearly 650 personnel from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Philippine Armed Forces, and civilian partner agencies came together to make this complex operation successful.

"It's great to see the combined and joint team work together and rehearse this critical function west of the IDL," said Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commanding general, 8th Theater Sustainment Command. "CJLOTS builds sustainment readiness and demonstrates our flexibility to deliver decisive support to the warfighter under the most challenging conditions."

These waterborne operations enable military personnel to transport vehicles and equipment ashore in austere environments or when traditional port facilities are degraded or unusable. This capability is critical for supporting and sustaining combined training exercises and operations with our Philippine partners.

Once the Medium-Speed Roll-on/Roll-off Ship arrived on site, U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines loaded the equipment onto the Roll-on/Roll-off Discharge Facility Platform. The large dock-like platform that floats adjacent to the vessel is used for staging equipment and cargo.

U.S. Army mariners, along with U.S. Navy Sailors, then transferred the cargo and equipment onto USAV SSGT Robert T. Kuroda (LSV 7), BRP Waray (LC 288), and U.S. Navy modular warping tugs to ferry the equipment ashore.

Unique to this operation, it was the first time the joint force utilized radio frequency identification tags to help streamline the accountability of the equipment and vessels as they came ashore from the vessel. This allowed the equipment to be more easily tracked as it drove from the beach landing site to the staging area, showcasing the ever-advancing military cooperation and capabilities between our two forces.

“We moved 130 pieces of cargo throughout the entire operation, including delivering 52 pieces of rolling stock to Guam and Subic Bay prior to the CJLOTS execution, and then offloading 78 pieces of rolling stock directly onto the beach in Dingalan,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kyle Nicholas, LSV7 vessel master, 8th TSC. “LSV-7’s contribution was vital to the success of CJLOTS and Salaknib 25, enabling the timely delivery of essential assets and strengthening the interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces. I am incredibly proud of my crew’s performance throughout the operation.”

With the Indo-Pacific as the priority theater, the U.S. Army leverages exercises like Salaknib to rehearse large-scale sustainment capabilities in a joint and combined environment.

The operation's strategic significance drew the attention of high-ranking officials from both the U.S. Army and the Philippine Armed Forces. Senior leaders from the U.S. Army Materiel Command, U.S. Army Pacific, 8th Theater Sustainment Command joined AFP Education and Transportation Commanding Generals to tour the beach landing site, receive operational briefings, and observe the maritime operation firsthand.

“The success of this operation demonstrates the strength of the U.S. and Philippine partnership,” said Gardner. “When we partner with like-minded nations and demonstrate critical capabilities, we strengthen the strategic landpower network that ensures regional security.”

Exercise Salaknib 25 between the Philippines and the United States underscores the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The exercise strengthens relationships and interoperability among key allies, enhancing collective capabilities to respond to a wide range of potential security concerns.