MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced on Friday (24 May 2024) the official commissioning of a new Lockheed C-130H “Hercules” transport aircraft into its fleet.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo revealed that the aircraft, bearing tail number 5157, was formally commissioned at the Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, during a ceremony held on Thursday.
“This addition marks one of the two C-130H transports acquired from the United States under the Excess Defense Article (EDA) Program back in 2016,” Castillo stated, noting the aircraft’s arrival on February 16, 2024.
The first of these C-130H aircraft was delivered on January 29, 2021.
“With this new addition to our fleet, the PAF now boasts five C-130 aircraft, enhancing our capacity for humanitarian, tactical, and strategic missions,” Castillo affirmed.
She emphasized the critical role of these heavy airlifters in delivering relief supplies, transporting personnel and equipment, and providing assistance to communities both domestically and internationally.
The commissioning ceremony underscored the Philippines’ commitment to bolstering its air mobility capabilities for various operational requirements.
(el Amigo/mnm)