Welcome to the Gallery of Philippine Air Force photos reconn'd from various sources unclassified in status.
Guardian Angels. Two F-5A's of the PAF's "Figthing 6th" squadron are scrambled from their alert pads in Basa Air Base to intercept unidentified aircraft entering
Philippine air space.
Hunting the Reds in October. During the
Cold War, it was known that the F-8H Crusaders were the ones that preserved Philippine sovereignty by intercepting Russian "Backfire" supersonic
bombers violating the country's northwestern airspace. Here a pair of "Bulldogs" based
either in Basa or Bautista Air Base are scrambled for such missions.
Action is not Missing. A Philippine Air Force Huey helicopter extracts Philippine Army special forces from the battlefield. One mission ends, another mission begins.
Public Defender. Partners of the OV-10's Danilo Atienza based 15th Strike Wing are the McD MD-500MG Defender. Here Defender tail number 15439 with unidentified Filipino pilot zooms for home. Its armement shown are the gun pods (port) and rockets (starboard). It has proven to be a true Public defender.
Armed Bomber One. This is an OV-10 Bronco laden with bombs for use against Abu Sayaf rebels hiding in Jolo province. It is shown here on ready alert at Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga city.
Due South. An Australian made aircraft, this PAF Nomad N-22B missionmaster heads south for home from Villamor to Mactan Air Base.
Rescue 911. White painted PAF UH-1 Huey helicopters belonging to the Villamor based 505th Air Resuce Squadron are tasked for mercy and medevac missions in all walks of life, civilian or military, Philippine nationals or foreigners alike. Their motto "Good news travels by Helicopter". is the reputation they've been known to live for.
Front Office. A view from the cockpit, the "front office" of a PAF
UH-1H Huey helicopter belonging to the 205th Helicopter Wing shown here on final as it
approaches Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga Province.
Pass in Review. The Diamond formation or the Blue Daimonds Pass-in-Review as demonstrated by the PAF aerobatic squadron, the Blue Diamonds performing their aerial ballet during an air show at the Laoag City International Airport.
Flight 007. A camouflaged S.211 serial number 007 based in Basa Air Base is prepared by its ground crew and its pilot possibly "Blackjack 369" for a flight sortie. Camouflaged AS.211's belongs to
the 5th FW's / 8th Fighter Squadron and partners the F-5's in the air defence of the country.
Visiting Forces. A Sangley based 15th Strike Wing T-28 "tora-tora" COIN aircraft prepares to land in Basa Air Base, home of the 5th fighter Wing after CAS/COIN mission in the region.
Saber Rider. This is one of the twenty or so F-86D's that served under the 5th Fighter Wing based in Basa Air Base. Seen here with some USAF paintings just after delivery to the PAF for air defense service. More that 60 F-86 Saber Jets F and D models served under the Philippine Air Force.
Ole Provider. The C-123 Provider was the main transport aircraft of the PAF before delivery of the Hercules. The ruggedness of the "teeny-weeny airline" as the C-123 was called enabled her to supply troops in the field, shown here delivering supplies to a Philippine Marine detachment stationed in a southern Philippine island.
Tora tora tora. A PAF T-28 "tora-tora" fighter/bomber releases a (GP) general purpose bomb to a rebel target as the aircraft operated at the Tactical Advance Command Post in Cauayan,Isabela.
Armed and still Dangerous. A flight of T-28's is readied by its crew chiefs and pilots for a COIN mission armed with cluster grenades and general purpose bombs attached in their wing
pylons. An old airplane proven effective in its role.
Homeward Bound. A PAF UH-1 Huey Helicopter heads for home after a day's work. Seen here is one hovering above Central Luzon after military operations in the area.
Guerrila Fighter. This is a PAF MG-520 "Defender" Close Air Support and attack helicopter stationed in an army post somewhere in Jolo province providing air support missions possibly to the Philippine Army 1st Infantry "Tabak" Division. Shown here Armed with rocket pods and cannons.
Air Conditioned. The air assets of the PAF are always maintained to keep them fit and conditioned for air operations. An S.211 painted in grey scheme colors belonging to the 100th Training Wing is seen here being Air "worthy" conditioned in Fernando Air Base.
Fantastic Four. Over historic Taal lake and volcano, four OV-10 Broncos of the 15th Strike Wing formate in "blue" diamond formation. The twin-propelled COIN aircraft is the mainstay of the air support unit of the PAF.
Aces High. Philippine Air Force AS.211's of the 5th Figther Wing paints the sky during an Air Show in Villamor Air Base.
Gunner's Mate. With his M-60 machine gun mounted on his Huey, a Philippine Air Force crew chief seats in his office "with a view" as he and his crewmen hovers above the slopes of Mount Pinatubo.
Filipina Sixer. Awarded a medal for her Mindanao campaign bravery from Pres. Joseph Estrada and Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado,
2Lt. Maria Rita Reduta, an OV-10 Bronco pilot is one of the only 6 combat qualified female pilots and the first among their ranks to fly in combat in the Philippine Air Force.
Balikatan 2000. PAF 1LT Wilson Cirilo with USAF Captain Rick Murphy in the cockpit of a AC-30 "combat talon" during the joint RP-US Military exercises "Balikatan 2000".
Surprise, surprise ! That's tactical surprise, the ability of a small, extremely manueverable fighter to enter the target area undetected and safely exit at high speed; as demonstrated by a pair of Basa-based F-5A Freedom Fighter jets.
Thanks to Mr. Peter Binamira for the
Photo
Continuing Education. PAF A1C(Airmen 1st Class) Drexler Camagong and USAF Senior Airman Thomas Rajala
demonstrate the use of an amenometer, a device used to measure wind speed and direction to PAF and USAF personnel during Balikatan 2000 held in Clark Air Field, Pampanga Province.
Gabi na Kummander (Its dusk commander). An F-5A Freedom Fighter of the "fighting 6th - Cobra - Squadron" call it a day as it rest on the tarmac of Basa Air Base in Pampanga Province.
