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.
“For us, this training strengthens how we respond, whether it’s disaster relief, medical evacuation, or hoist operations across the Philippines,” said Lt. Col. John Paul Delgado, commander of the 205th THW. “It sharpens coordination in complex environments and builds the interoperability needed to remain mission ready—anytime, anywhere.”
Through the State Partnership Program, Hawai‘i and the Philippines continue to build a relationship grounded in shared expertise and mutual trust, enabling both forces to operate more effectively across the Indo-Pacific. The exchange directly supports priorities outlined byUnited States Indo-Pacific Command, strengthening alliances and improving the ability to respond rapidly to regional challenges, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“It is an absolute privilege to share the same flight deck and fly with my brothers and sisters in the Philippine Air Force,” said Maj. John Worthington, Hawaii ARNG aviation standardization pilot. “Together, our pride, professionalism, and linked cultures have laid the foundation for our partnership, strengthening integrated deterrence through our bilateral training.”
The exchange also provided a platform to share best practices in H-60M maintenance, logistics, and standardization, allowing both forces to compare procedures and improve efficiency across rotary-wing operations. The inclusion of an Air Force M134D Minigun subject matter expert further demonstrated the adaptability of the partnership, supporting the PAF’s integration of new capabilities.
The SMEE facilitated continued dialogue on operational alignment, safety, and information sharing, ensuring both forces remain synchronized in their approach to complex rotary-wing missions.
From the first turn of the rotor to the final shutdown, each moment of shared flight reinforced a simple truth: partnerships like this aren’t just built, they’re flown, forged through trust, and strengthened with every mission side by side.