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CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — U.S. Airmen assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Prime Base Engineering Emergency Force (BEEF) Squadron, alongside Marines from the Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 and Philippine Air Force (PAF) Airmen from the 542nd Air Operations Squadron, completed the installation of a Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS) leading up to exercise Cope Thunder - Philippines 25-1.
MAASes are essential to aviation safety, functioning as an emergency brake for aircraft that are unable to stop upon landing. The installation is exemplary of the two countries’ military cooperation, bringing together U.S. Airmen, Marines, and Filipino Airmen in a bilateral-joint operation for the first time while balancing civilian aviation needs with Clark International Airport by working in hour to hour and a half windows every day.
"Limited runway access meant we had to work quickly and efficiently to get the job done,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Johnathon Copeland, 356th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron aircraft arresting systems noncommissioned officer in charge, “Collaborating with the Marines and the Philippine Air Force required everyone to be on the same page. It placed a strong emphasis on training, making sure that everyone understood their roles before stepping onto the job site."
The team installed the system in under 12 nonconsecutive hours, a task that typically requires 19 to 20 hours to complete. The rapid execution was made possible through cross-force planning and cooperation, with Marines providing construction experience and PAF Airmen offering logistical support.
Besides being part of the preparation for the exercise, the installation also served as a vital training opportunity for all participating forces. U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps engineers provided familiarization and hands-on instruction to 542d AOS personnel on MAAS system setup, operation, and maintenance.
"What we're doing is we're building a partnership. We're being shoulder to shoulder, not only with the Marines, but along with the Philippine Air Force, showing that we can accomplish this job together,'" said Copeland.
The MAAS at Clark Air Base is compatible with all F-type aircraft, supporting both the F-16 and F-18s deployed there in the case of an emergency. The installation showcases each service's flexibility and highlights the effectiveness of joint deployment models.
The successful installation of the MAAS reflects a shared commitment to operational safety joint-combined interoperability through both realistic training and real-world problem solving.
"It's beneficial to have different branches take the time to understand each other's systems and capabilities," said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Alejandro Collazo, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 quality assurance chief. "I look forward to more opportunities like this to train with our allies and partners."
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2025 20:04 |
| Story ID: | 495628 |
| Location: | CLARK AIR BASE, PH |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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