The Philippine Air Force celebrated its 76th Founding Anniversary with the President and Commander-in-Chief, AFP, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on July 3, 2023. The Commanding General, PAF, LtGen Stephen P. Parreño PAF, hosted the said event which showcased the PAF’s achievements, capabilities, and commitment to becoming a more Capable, Credible, and Sustainable Force.
The celebration was jumpstarted by an exciting live capability demonstration at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range area as seen from the view deck of Col Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB), Capas, Tarlac. The said demonstration included the following capabilities: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability of the C208 aircraft, Fast Rope Insertion and Extrication System (FRIES) Operation of the S70i Black Hawk helicopters, hoist rescue operation of a littered patient by a Huey 2 aircraft, air-to-ground live fire demonstration of the FA50 PH, A29B Super Tucano, and T129 Atak Helicopters.
In Clark Air Base, more flight demonstrations were witnessed as three (3) FA50 PH aircraft performed a high-speed opener pass to formally kick-off the formal program, and a formation flight of T-41 aircraft forming the number “76,” which represent the glorious years of existence and service of the PAF. Several types of aircraft were also featured in a flyby demonstration. This aerial spectacle not only demonstrated the PAF pilots’ remarkable aerial maneuver skills but also honored the PAF’s historic legacy.
On the ground, the attendees had an up-close look of the static display of PAF air and ground assets which include the FA50PH, T129, C295, C130, PZL W-3A Sokol, S70i, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) platforms.
As part of the anniversary program, the President accorded awards to outstanding PAF units and individuals for their exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to fulfilling the PAF’s mission.
The event was also attended by the House Speaker, Honorable Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez; Secretary of National Defense, Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr; the Chief of Staff, AFP, General Andres C. Centino PA; other Major Service commanders, and other distinguished guests.
President Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to the PAF on its 76th anniversary. He expressed his profound gratitude to the airmen and airwomen for their dedication to service, and reiterated his commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces through acquisitions under the AFP Modernization Program.
