A-10s deployed as part of the first Pacific Air Forces air contingent at Clark Air Base, Philippines have flown their first mission in South China Sea.
A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II, with the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, sits on the flight line of Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 16, 2016, after having flown missions in support of Exercise Balikatan 16. The A-10Cs stayed supporting a newly stood up Air Contingent in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The contingent provides opportunities to expand cooperation and interoperability with Philippine counterparts and reassure partners and allies of the United States’ commitment in the region. The five A-10Cs were joined by three HH-60G Pavehawks and approximately 200 Pacific Air Forces personnel including aircrew, maintainers, logistics and support personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)
A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Manila said four A-10Cs and two HH-60Gs conducted their “first flight out” on Apr. 19 for a “maritime situational awareness operation” “to the west of Luzoz.”
