Despite a presidential coup attempt in the Philippines and public unrest that led to declaration of a state of emergency, the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, deployed from Yokota AB, Japan, continued to fly personnel and relief supplies to locations devastated by the Feb. 17 mudslide. “We have a mission to carry out and we will continue to do so,” said Lt. Col. Bill Summers, adding that the squadron was able to move several tons of medical supplies with a team from the Philippine Navy and Marines to the relief area. As of Feb. 26, the 36th EAS had moved more than 140 tons of cargo and 160 personnel to support relief efforts.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
