US ‘Growler’ attack aircraft in Clark to train with PH pilots
This January 1, 2015 US Navy handout photo shows an EA-18G Growler preparing to launch from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the ship conducts flight operations in the US 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. AFP PHOTO / US NAVY / MC2 JACOB G. SISCO
The US Navy’s EA-18G Growler, dubbed as one of the most advanced airborne electronic attack platform, arrived in Clark Air Base on Wednesday to train the Philippine Air Force pilots of the FA-50 fighter jets, the US Embassy announced on Thursday.
The Growler aircraft will support routine operational missions that enhance regional maritime domain awareness aside from the bilateral training missions, the statement said.
The detachment is composed of four aircraft and approximately 120 personnel assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington.
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.
Clark Air Base, the home of the FA-50s and its pilots in training, offered to host the US contingent.
“Placing the US Air Contingent at this base gives the Armed Forces of the Philippines an opportunity to train with US servicemen on Command, Control, Communications, Computers Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance,” the embassy said. JE
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