JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- As part of U.S. Pacific Command’s first iteration of the Air Contingent in the Philippines, four U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft and two HH-60G Pave Hawks flew a final mission April 28 in international waters west of the Philippines.
The aircraft, staged out of Clark Air Base, Philippines, conducted air and maritime domain awareness missions for the past two weeks, to provide greater transparency in international waters and airspace.
“This represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen our regional presence, enhance partnerships and ensure security while laying the groundwork for all future joint air contingent deployments,” said General Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces Commander and U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Joint Forces Air Component Commander. “We sincerely thank our Philippine partners for providing this exceptional opportunity to strengthen our interoperability.”
Throughout their time here, the A-10s flew four missions in international waters and international airspace increasing air and maritime domain awareness while promoting regional stability and security.
“Hosting the U.S. Pacific Command Air Contingent was very beneficial to both our forces as it affords us the opportunity to work alongside one another,” said Major General Del Rosario, 1st Air Division Commander, Philippine Air Force (PAF). “We look forward to future Air Contingents with more opportunities to train with our counterparts through Mutual Defense Board/Strategic Engagement Board events.”
As part of the Air Contingent at Clark, pararescuemen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, also conducted subject matter expert exchanges with Philippine Air Force pararescuemen, pilots and flight engineers, discussing combat search and rescue tactics and procedures. Training opportunities, afforded because of the Air Contingent’s presence, foster stronger relationships with Philippine counterparts, as well as help respective forces become increasingly interoperable and capable.
“Information sharing is key to both our air forces’ success; we are able to share best practices and experiences to make our operations more successful,” said Del Rosario. “This contingent gives us the opportunity to strengthen our collaboration and partnership with our U.S. counterparts.”
The PAF aircrews also flew aboard the HH-60s affording them an opportunity to familiarize themselves with a U.S. airframe in the event they would need work together during humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.
In addition to the missions, the A-10s flew 24 training sorties and conducted personnel recovery training in collaboration with the HH-60s. This improves the interoperability between the two aircraft’s crews and ensures the pilots are qualified to conduct rescue operations. Training in the airspace over the Philippines allows the pilots of both airframes more freedom of maneuverability and more versatile terrain to practice than normally available at ranges in the United States.
“I’m so proud of the professionalism all the individuals have shown. We told our Airmen from the beginning this is different … your job is simply to fly and observe, but it’s an extremely important mission,” said Col Larry Card, the Air Contingent Commander.
The missions conducted here that provided maritime domain situational awareness were unlike any the aircrews had flown before, and are vital in ensuring freedom of access to the air and maritime domains in accordance with international law.
“These men and women stepped right up to the plate, were excited about the mission and determined the best way to go about it. I’m extremely impressed with this team; we have the best Airmen and it shows everyday,” Card said.
The Air Contingent’s continued presence and missions reaffirm both nations’ commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
The A-10’s departed the Philippines on April 30, and will be replaced by the second Air Contingent iteration at a later date.