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CG,PAF’S REMARKS 220 AW Anniversary

01 June 2009

“Supporting PAF Command Philosophy through Effective Tactical Airlift Operations”

Amenities…

As I stand here in your presence to share with you the bliss of this special day, I cannot help myself but be amazed at how this unit has metamorphosed over the years. As a deployable combat pilot back in the days, the experiences that I had here in the Visayas were fundamental factors to my development as an officer and pilot. The exposure that I had during those times were instrumental in developing that certain degree of awareness as far as how the Air Force can be more adequately equipped to respond promptly to missions whether combat or humanitarian to all of the domains of the Philippine Archipelago. When I first saw the C-123 birds and the C-130s of then newly formed 220^th Airlift Wing some three decades ago, I knew that this was the answer. I told myself that technological advancements will change the way people live; aircraft will be more advance and state of the art; some Air Force units will be either dissolved or merged with others but this unit will forever be relevant because of its vital role in tactical airlift operations—a bridge that covers the gap between the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

During its nascent years, the assets of the 220^th Airlift Wing were workhorses bringing troops and supply to different provinces all over the country using the C-123s, Nomads and later on, the C-130s which entered the service in 1977. Though, with limited assets to boast during its early years, it performed exceptionally well specially during the height of Mindanao Conflict in the late 70s and early 80s wherein prompt tactical air movement of soldiers was vital in defending the sovereignty of the country.

36 years later, 220^th Airlift Wing is still, the most potent arm of the Philippine Air Force in tactical airlift and mobility operations and a medium in support of our objectives to achieve stability and progress in all of the 7,107 islands of the country. To this day, your role has tremendous impact to peace, economy and disaster relief efforts. I salute the men and women of this great unit for the steadfast commitment in the pursuit of peace and furtherance of development. That deserves a round of applause. Palakpakan po natin ang ating mga sarili!

The role of the 220^th Airlift wing cannot in any way or manner be underestimated. The capability that it brings to the table is so immense that it would be improbable for the Air Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to realize its various missions. The air assets of the wing provides flexibility in combat since we can move with ease a battalion or brigade in Luzon to reinforce those in the south. Logistical requirements can be easily shipped in hours within the theater of operations. During relief operations, it can provide assistance to thousands of victims within the archipelago and neighboring countries. This is the flexibility that it brings to the whole of the armed forces. Something, that we in the Air Force should be proud of because we are fortunate to have with us officers and men who can provide tactical airlift when we needed it the most. Yes, we still have along way to go. The tides are changing so fast that we need to adapt ourselves and our resources to the ever-changing operating environment. I am optimistic and look up to strategic solutions brought forth under the Philippine Defense Reform which will enable us to improve our systems capability-wise in order to address the issues that are still hovering in the midst. The threats are still there but with high hopes that someday, we will be able to fully sustain the missions necessary to curb different threats that we have in the country. With faith, hope and support from all the units of the Air Force, we will be more responsive, more vigilant and more effective partner in peace and national development. We will make it there.

At this point, allow me to congratulate all of you for the accomplishments that you were able to achieve the past year. To Colonel Nonoy Hautea, I give due praise to the men and women of this unit under your stellar leadership. Truly, your accomplishments would have not been achieved if not for the countless hours spent at the flight lines, conference rooms and offices. To the hours spent during CMO activities such as tree planting and blood letting, among others; to be of service to communities here in the Queen City of the South. Woodrow Wilson, the 28^th President of the United States, pointed out, and I quote, “You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement.” Indeed, 220^th Airlift Wing is embarking on that journey. To perform the mission, the wing have always adhered to the core values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Professionalism in order to influence the community and contribute copiously for the greater good. Ladies and Gentleman, in case you don’t know, 220^th Airlift wing figured prominently in the relief and rescue operations during the onslaught of Typhoon Frank. Typhoon Frank left thousands of people homeless and countless, dead. Almost 3.6 million people were affected covering 49 provinces in Visayas and Mindanao. MV Princess of the Stars capsized because of the unforgiving weather brought about by Typhoon Frank. The men and women of this highly-revered organization figured prominently to bring food, medicines and other relief items to our least fortunate brothers who were victimized by “Frank”. During the search and rescue mission conducted to save those who might have survived the MV Princess of the Stars Tragedy, this unit lent its full support in the conduct of the said mission. I know that if there are friends or family members of those involved in the tragedy present here, they will give the men and women of this proud unit a snappy salute for the efforts extended in support of the victims and their families.

Your anniversary theme for this year which is “Operationally responsive to conduct tactical airlift operations in support of the Armed Forces for peace and development” captures significantly the thrusts that we need to realize our command objective. The Commander-In-Chief’s guidance that was also amplified by the Chief of Staff is to concentrate our efforts to reduce insurgency at a very insignificant level by 2010. In doing so, we can all work together to advance progress in small communities hence, we can all live in peace and harmony. Your role is important to this initiative. We have to work in synergy, because our fight needs not a passive stance but rather a proactive posture, meaning that we concentrate our efforts by ensuring that our air assets can respond immediately whenever and wherever they are needed. One good example that you can continue is your self-reliant projects and recovery activities of aircraft spares which I happened to read as one of your important accomplishments for the year. This, ladies and gentleman, are proactive measures that we need to take because it will take some bold initiative—discovering what needs to be done to better serve the Air Force and put an end to the problem of insurgency.

Anniversaries are the best times to echo our accomplishments and reflect on what needs to be improved. There are no perfect organizations; there are no absolute solutions on winning; but we can change for the better. To be of great service to the country is to accept that reforms are probable solutions to what we face. We, in the Air Force will continue to evolve because that’s how we can keep ourselves relevant to the needs of our nation. To the men and women of 220^th Airlift Wing, you have done well and I know that you’ll continue to reap more accolades because you’ll crave for even greater accomplishments. Carry on with the good deeds!

In ending, as in all of my speaking engagements, I see to it that I share to you my personal thoughts on how we can be better individuals and be of great service to the nation. In the book “Life Lessons from the Game of Golf” by Steve Riach, it says there that “The heart of a Champion is one that lays down personal desires for the good of others”. We are all champions here because we always see to it that we give due regard to excellence when we work. More significantly, in doing this we are also sacrificing ourselves and at times the happiness of our families to be of great service to our country. We may find it unfair sometimes, but God has this to say to us; in John chapter 15 verses 12 to 13, the Scripture says,” My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no more than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” So don’t be at a low when you are deployed elsewhere or assigned elsewhere. Just remember that we in the Air Force are champions, in the true sense of the word, because we know what sacrifice means—this is our purpose, our higher calling.

Once more, to the men and women of 220^th Airlift Wing led by its Wing Commander, Colonel Nonoy Hautea, congratulations to all of you! Mabuhay kayong lahat! Mabuhay ang Philippine Air Force!