PH Air Force aims to be more credible, sustainable service

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2023): PH Air Force aims to be more credible, sustainable service (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is working towards becoming a more capable service with a focus on improving its credibility and sustainability.

PAF chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño made this remark in his speech at Clark Air Base, Pampanga as the Air Force celebrated its 76th founding anniversary Monday.

"PAF at 76 Accelerating With Excellence Towards a More Capable, Credible and Sustainable Force. Today we proclaim our commitment to work towards improving our capability, credibility and sustainability with emphasis on timelines and quality of work," he added.

Parreño also said great strides were made as the PAF invested in technology, infrastructure and human resources in achieving its goal of being a capable force.

"Reflecting on our journey we (are) filled with gratitude for the strides we have made towards achieving our goals. Through strategic and sustained investments in technology, infrastructure and the development of human resources, our capability has grown," he added.

This can be reflected in a more robust air fleet, modern platforms, functional air bases and well-trained personnel, the PAF chief emphasized.

"Meanwhile the use of air power in joint operations and our collaborations with local and international partners have also grown, proof of our flourishing credibility. And through proactive supply management, asset maintenance, safety prioritization and technological innovation, sustainability is now realized and being institutionalized," he added.

Parreño also said these "bountiful blessings" have allowed the PAF to serve the people and nation better.

He added that these things could have not been done without the support and guidance of the PAF leadership, partners, stakeholders and support from the government.

"For being our constant guiding light we thank the Almighty God for leading us throughout the 76 years. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our President and Commander in Chief, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., the AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, Philippine Army, the Unified Commands and other major service commanders, our multisectoral governance council, partners, stakeholders and the Filipino people," Parreño said.

The PAF was established on July 1, 1947.

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, Capas, Tarlac.

These include showing the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability of the C-208 aircraft, fast rope insertion and extrication system operation of the S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters, hoist rescue operation of a littered patient by a Huey II helicopter, air-to-ground live-fire demonstration of the FA-50 PH, A-29B "Super Tucano", and T-129 "Atak" helicopters.

In Clark Air Base, more flight demonstrations were witnessed as three FA-50 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 represented the PAF's years of existence and service.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204777