US Growler Aircraft To Train With Filipino FA-50 Aircraft Pilots

A US EA-18G Growler 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 US Pacific Fleet said Thursday.

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.

The US training with the Philippine military is part of the Mutual Defense Board Activities agreed upon by the two governments as part of the maritime domain awareness and the promotion of interoperability between the two armed forces, the US embassy said.