A Philippine Air Force Huey
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set to receive before the year ends five refurbished Vietnam war-era UH-1H or Huey helicopters, part of the 20 aircraft committed by former US President George Bush to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Col. Arnold Mancita, the assistant chief of air staff for logistics, said the five refurbished Huey helicopters are due to arrive on Saturday, December 19, from the United States at the former US Navy base in Subic.
Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol, PAF spokesman, said the acquisition of five refurbished UH-1H helicopters is a welcome addition to the PAF inventory of air assets, adding the anticipated roll out of the aircrafts will boost internal security operations (ISO) missions of the air force and in providing humanitarian assistance.
Okol said the date for the formal blessing and turnover of the PAF’s newest acquisition will be decided upon the completion of the rigid test flights.
The POTUS Hueys left Jacksonville Port, Florida, on board the US flag vessel BBC Houston in November.(Elena Aben)
- Manila Bulletin
Filed under: News Tagged: | Philippine Air Force, UH-1H Huey, UH-1H plane, US-Phil agreement, Vietnam war-era UH-1H
