U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bryan Gillis, left, and Philippine navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alfredo Mendoza measure the frame for the foundation of a building being constructed at Santa Cruz Elementary School as part of Exercise Balikatan 2012 in Palawan province, Philippines, March 22, 2012. Gillis is assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Exercise Balikatan 2012 is an annual combined joint training exercise aimed at improving U.S. and Philippine military force interoperability during planning, combat readiness, and humanitarian assistance operations. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bryan Gillis, left, and Philippine navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alfredo Mendoza measure the frame for the foundation of a building being constructed at Santa Cruz Elementary School as part of Exercise Balikatan 2012 in Palawan province, Philippines, March 22, 2012. Gillis is assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Exercise Balikatan 2012 is an annual combined joint training exercise aimed at improving U.S. and Philippine military force interoperability during planning, combat readiness, and humanitarian assistance operations. SHARE: Download: Full Size (2.97 MB) Tags: Photo Essays Credit: VIRIN: 873232-M-QOH83-080.jpg Photo Gallery