US attack jets deployed to Clark
Four United States ground attack jets deployed to Clark Air Base as part of US Pacific Command’s (US PACOM) first iteration of the air contingent in the Philippines have flown out of the country.
This, after the four US Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft completed four maritime situational awareness flights in and around the West Philippine Sea and 24 training sorties with Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel.
They departed the Philippines on April 30, and will be replaced by the second air contingent iteration at a later date.
In an article posted on the Pacific Air Forces website, Capt. Susan Harrington, PACAF public affairs, said the four A-10C Warthogs together with two HH-60G Pave Hawks flew a final mission April 28 in international waters west of the Philippines.
The aircraft conducted air and mari- time domain awareness missions for 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 Gen. Lori Robinson, PACAF commander and U.S. PACOM’s Theater Joint Forces Air Component commander.
“We sincerely thank our Philippine partners for providing this exceptional opportunity to strengthen our interoperability,” he added.
It will be recalled that the four A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft and two HH-60G Pave Hawks rescue helicopters remained in Clark after the conclusion of this year’s Balikatan Exercises last April 15.
They were part of the newly stood up US air contingent whose missions include operations ranging from air and maritime domain awareness, personnel recovery, combating piracy, and assuring all nations have access to air and sea domains throughout the region in accordance with international law.
Throughout their time in the country, the A-10s flew four missions in international waters and international airspace increasing air and maritime domain awareness while promoting regional stability and security.