US Navy aircraft arrives for training of AFP pilots

MANILA, Philippines – A United States (US) Navy aircraft arrived at Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Wednesday for the training with FA-50 aircraft pilots of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

The newly arrived EA-18G Growler aircraft is part of the first temporary detachment of the US Navy, according to a report from the US Pacific Fleet.

The Growler aircraft will also perform routine operations to enhance regional maritime domain awareness and assure that there is access to air and maritime domains in accordance with international law.

The detachment consists of four aircraft and 120 personnel assigned to the expeditionary squadron based at the Naval Air Station in Whidbey Island, Washington.

The Philippine government approved the detachment which is part of a US Contingent established by the US Pacific Command which seeks to promote interoperability and security operation.

According to the report, the AFP offered to host the US Air Contingent in Clark to train with the FA-50 fighter pilots and support the units located in the air base.

Earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter revealed that at least 200 American servicemen will stay behind in the Philippines after the Balikatan joint exercises.

The American military units will maintain presence in the Philippines for joint air and maritime patrols in the disputed South China Sea.

The initial US Air Contingent included five A-10C Thunderbolt aircraft, three HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and approximately 200 personnel deployed from multiple Pacific Air Forces units