CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines April 17, 2026— Beneath the steady rhythm of rotor blades and shared purpose, Hawaii National Guard and Philippine Air Force aviators came together for a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, April 13-17, transforming collaboration into something tangible—trust built in the cockpit, lessons exchanged in real time, and a partnership strengthened through every flight.
Conducted under the State Partnership Program, the engagement brought together Hawaii Army National Guard aviation professionals and members of the Philippine Air Force’s 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing to exchange expertise, align tactics, and execute bilateral flight operations aboard Philippine aircraft. The training marked only the second time Hawaii Army National Guard aviators have co-piloted, operated, and flown in PAF rotary-wing aircraft—an uncommon milestone that reflects a deep level of trust, integration, and operational alignment between the two forces.
Building on the inaugural 2023 Rotary Wing SMEE in Cebu, where both forces established a foundation in maintenance, standardization, and shared operational practices, this iteration marked a clear progression in the partnership. What began as classroom-based exchanges has evolved into hands-on, bilateral flight operations, underscoring how both forces continue to learn from one another, refine tactics, and strengthen interoperability with each engagement.
The SMEE focused on critical rotary-wing mission sets including multi-aircraft operations, external load and water bucket operations, hoist and medical evacuation capabilities, and maintenance standardization. These discussions were reinforced through hands-on execution, as U.S. and Philippine crews conducted joint flights aboard PAF S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, including maintenance test flights, local area orientations, and standardization training sorties.
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