BASA AIR BASE, Philippines -- Cope Thunder - Philippines 24-1, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise, is scheduled to begin on April 8 with primary flight operations over the newly renovated runway at Basa Air Base, Philippines, and run through April 19. CT-PH24-1 aims to facilitate bilateral fighter training with the Philippine Air Force and enhance combined interoperability among participating forces.
During this first iteration of CT-PH24, U.S. Airmen from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, are set to participate, managing operations and providing support for F-16s from the 13th Fighter Squadron stationed at Misawa AB.
Originating in the Philippines in 1976, Cope Thunder relocated to Eielson Air Force Base in 1992, later rebranding as Red Flag Alaska. Resuming in the Philippines in 2023, this exercise offers a distinctive platform to integrate forces and enhance interoperability between the Philippine and United States air forces.
U.S. Air Force Airmen perform maintenance on an A-10c Thunderbolt II during exercise Cope Thunder 23-2 on the South ramp of Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 9, 2023. It is critical that we continue to train and operate with our Allies and partners, so we are integrated and ready to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jhade Herrera)