An official website of the United States government         Here's how you know         
**Official websites use .mil**
A **.mil** website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
**Secure .mil websites use HTTPS**
 A **lock (lock )** or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Skip to main content (Press Enter).

U.S. Indo-Pacific CommandUSINDOPACOM

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Search

Search
Search

-  Home		 
-  Leadership    -  Commander         
  -  Deputy Commander         
  -  Chief of Staff         
  -  Senior Enlisted Leader 
-  About USINDOPACOM    -  History         
  -  USPACOM Area of Responsibility         
  -  USPACOM Previous Commanders         
  -  Women, Peace and Security 
-  Organization    -  Organization Chart 
-  Media    -  News      -  Spotlight 
  -  Photos         
  -  Speeches / Testimony         
  -  Freedom of Information Act      -  FOIA - Reading Room         
    -  Submit FOIA Request         
    -  Request Status         
    -  FOIA FAQS 
-  Resources    -  Travel Requirements         
  -  Useful Theater Information         
  -  FAQ         
  -  Useful Links 
-  Newcomers		 
-  Contact    -  Directory         
  -  Media Inquiries         
  -  Industry Engagements 
-  JTF - Red Hill		 

Home : Media : News : News Article View

# US Army to Launch High-Altitude Balloons at Laoag Airport for Exercise Salaknib 

By Capt. Ryan DeBooy,U.S. Army Pacific

                LAOAG CITY, Philippines  –              
The U.S. Army Pacific's 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (1MDTF) will conduct training activities at Laoag International Airport in June, which may be visible to the surrounding community.

The 1MDTF plans to launch high-altitude balloons from the airport toward the ocean from June 7-16. The high-altitude balloons include weather monitoring capabilities, which play a vital role in responding to natural disasters and crises, providing critical information to enhance maritime domain awareness and support timely decision-making.

U.S. Army Pacific, in close collaboration with the Philippine Army, has meticulously planned this training. The 1MDTF collaborates daily with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and the balloon launches improve weather models used by both the U.S. Department of Defense and PAGASA.

The use of high-altitude balloons during Salaknib adheres to international law, Philippine domestic law, and standards governing navigational freedoms and safety of flight, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. The command is actively working closely with pertinent authorities and air traffic control agencies to ensure the safety of people on the ground and nearby civil and military aircraft.​

​Salaknib is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

 

**                    SHARE                

**                    PRINT                

US Army Pacific

SALAK

Salaknib

indo-pacfic

Philippine Army