MANILA, Philippines – (April 27, 2009) Since the founding of the United States, immigrants have played a huge role in the dynamic and diversity of the nation. With each new generation of immigrants come new ideas and great contributions to American society.

CLARK AIR BASE, Republic of the Philippines — From the planning phases which commenced on April 3 aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), to the execution of the final scenario-based raids during the Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFEX) on April 25, the Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Republic of the Philippine Armed Forces members forged tight bonds due to a successful culminating training event.