Philippine Air Force | Inside the PAF Today
What’s the latest with the PAF today? The Philippine Air Force, a.k.a. Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas used to be the greatest air power in Asia especially during the Marcos years. As time flew to years, the used to be strong air force was left behind by the other neighbor countries. Anyway, let’s soar about the Philippine Air Force history, news, planes, ranks, modernization and further…
Brief history: Looking back at PAF, the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) pioneered the birth of the Philippine Air Force as a separate military service and unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. PAF came into its own under the great leadership and motivation of Maj. Pelagio Cruz and it was two months ahead of the birth of the US Air Force. It was officially became independent under the Executive Order No. 94 on July 1, 1947 under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. The first commanding general of the PAF was Lt. Gen. Pelagio Cruz. From past to present, the air force had thirty commanding chiefs excluding the current general. At present, the 31st commanding general of the Philippine Air Force is Lieutenant General Oscar H. Rabena who was chosen under Arroyo’s regime. The current president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino has stated the current air force chief to stay under his governance. All in all, the air force of the country had a major influence from the United States Air Force and army.
Motto: “The First Force” The PAF motto is short but meaningful. Wonder why it’s “First Force?”
The Philippine Air Force Bases: PAF has currently the following air bases in the country. If you wanna know any PAF base, they are:
- Clark Air Base - Air Logistics Command, 710th Special Operations Wing (located at DMIA complex, at Clark Zone Angeles, Pampanga)
- Basa Air Base - Air Defense Wing (located at Floridablanca, Pampanga)
- Villamor Air Base - Main Headquarters, 250th Presidential Airlift Wing (located at Pasay City)
- Danilo Atienza Air Base - 15th Strike Wing (at Cavite City)
- Basilio Fernando Air Base - Air Force Research and Development Center (Lipa City, Batangas)
- Antonio Bautista Air Base - 570th Compostie Tactical Wing (at Palawan)
- Benito Ebuen Air Base - 220th Airlift Wing (at Cebu City)
- Edwin Andrews Air Base - 530th Composite Tactical Wing (at Zamboanga City)
- Rajah Buayan Air Base – located at Gen. Santos City, Cotabato
- Lumbia Airport – located at Cagayan de Oro City
- Wallace Air Station – 580th Control and Warning Wing
Philippine Air Force Modernization
The Philippine Air Force modernization has been set up for quite some time now and it seems it is still in a float in the air. It has been rushed and after a change of commands and government, seems it remains overdue and unaccomplished. The plans are still in study and they are stunning plans though. Before acquiring anything, it requires a huge budget. And it's gonna be in millions or billions of pesos perhaps? The present modernization plans and proposals can’t be made possible without the support and approval of the commander in chief of our dear country. I wonder what President Noynoy would do with this…and I also have that what if question…and thought about what would Gibo Teodoro would do with this. Because he could fly a plane and was a secretary of the national defense. Air Force is really in his line. *Now this reminds me of Air Force One the movie* The Philippine air force modernization I hope though must show positive results this year. So the air force could strengthen their wings and boost the country’s air power and territorial defense. It’s 2011 for helicopter’s sake. Let’s not wait another year.
Philippine Air Force Planes
The Philippine air force really needs new and modern aircraft and planes. Obviously, acquiring new aircraft is a major part of the air force modernization plans. If you wanna know the air force’s planes, you can view them in the video I’ve uploaded in this hub. I hope they could acquire more new fighter jets and amazing modern aircraft. More PAF planes please.
Philippine Air Force Ranks
I’ve included the complete list of PAF ranks in this special hub for those who like to know the ranks from the highest to lowest. You’ll love this if you’re dreaming to join the air force or simply just curious.
The Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum
The Philippine air force museum is has been relocated and is now known as PAF Aerospace Museum. It’s located at Villamor Air Base near the NAIA airport terminal 3. It’s cool to visit because the facility looks new and fresh. I’ve been here last month and it was an amazing tour.