PAF marks milestone, integrates with U.S. Air Force AWACS crew
Philippine Air Force (PAF) Maj. Frederick Facia, left, 581st Aircraft Control and Training Squadron commander and air battle manager works alongside U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Andrew Stokes, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron air weapons officer, aboard a 961st AACS E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft during exercise Balikatan 2015 over the Philippines, April 23. This exercise marks the first time in history that PAF air battle managers have controlled other aircraft while onboard the AWACS. Since the exercise began, April 20, the 961st AACS has integrated 20 PAF weapons controllers during their missions in order to provide them with first-hand experience using the aircraft’s systems. The 961st AACS is stationed at Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maeson L. Elleman)