The next rotation of US aircraft to the Philippines arrived June 15, as a group of Navy EA-18G Growlers landed at Clark Air Base from NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. The four aircraft and about 120 personnel are part of a US Pacific Command air contingent established in April “to promote interoperability and security cooperation,” according to a Pacific Air Forces release. The first rotation of US aircraft to the country, a group of A-10s and HH-60G Pave Hawks, finished their deployment in late April. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in announcing the deployment, said US aircraft will participate in patrols of the South China sea in addition to training in the region.
The Department of the Air Force wants to launch a construction boom with its fiscal 2027 budget, more than doubling its request over 2026, according to budget documents.