A modern U.S. chopper flies in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.The United States on Saturday, 09 June 2007 hands over phased out UH-1H helicopters to its ally, the Philippines, to help the Filipino military combat terrorism.(Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 09 Jun) – The United States handed Saturday ten UH-1H helicopters to Manila as part of a commitment to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.
The refurbished helicopters will be used by the Philippine Air Force to supplement its modernization program and will increase its capabilities to combat terrorism and provide humanitarian assistance during natural disasters.
President Gloria Arroyo accepted the documents of the nine choppers from U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney.
The aircraft are part of 20 helicopters designated for the Philippines by President George Bush. They were refurbished in the United States through the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program at a cost of $22 million for the 20 aircraft. The U.S. gave nearly $30 million in Foreign Military Financing to the Philippines last year. In April 2006, the U.S. also delivered a C-130 cargo aircraft to the Philippines.
"Today, we have a tangible reminder of the strength that our two leaders show to the world as we see their vision realize in this turnover of helicopters. UH-1H helicopter is the finest helicopter in the world," Kenney said.
The U.S. military also provides training, advice, and security assistance, and shares information with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Ongoing U.S.-Philippine military cooperative programs include Philippine Defense Reform; counter-terrorism training; annual exercises; education and training; advice and support for logistics, engineering, equipment, and maintenance; civilian assistance programs such as free community medical, dental, and veterinarian clinics; and humanitarian assistance cooperation during natural disasters.
Kenney said the UH-1H helicopter is the "backbone of the US Armed Forces wing fleet" and now the backbone of the Philippine military aviation helicopters.
Kenney said the choppers would also pave the way to improve the PAF air assault capability against dissident terrorists, and also in their search and rescue operations during calamity. The U.S. has phased out the UH-1H helicopters which were used during the Vietnam war.(Mindanao Examiner)
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