US, PH bolster ties for ‘free, open maritime environment’ – Manila Bulletin

The United States said the recent turnover of four Cessna 172 Skylark planes to the Philippine Naval Air Wing is part of its commitment to invest in the country’s further development.

The US gave the Philippine Naval Air Wing, Sangley Point, Cavite, the brand-new planes it had purchased as part of a grant worth P298.1 Million ($5.8-million). This grant was made under the Foreign Military Financing Program (FMF).

Cessna planes are used to train naval aviators and to maintain the capabilities of current pilots.

“This project displays the United States commitment to our Philippine partners to invest in their long-term success,” US Embassy in the Philippines Charg dAffaires ad interim Heather Variava said.

“Together, the United States and the Philippines will continue to make great strides in the pursuit of a free and open maritime environment,” she added.

The latest turnover concluded the transfer of four Cessna planes which arrived and were reassembled in December 2021.

Prior to the delivery of the aircrafts, the United States provided pilot training and mechanic training to 24 Filipino service members in Kansas City, Kansas, in August and September 2021.

The package also included spare parts and an integral logistic support package. It will end with the delivery of three Robinson R44 helicopters, which were purchased from the US, in late 2022.

Meanwhile, Department of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomed this development, adding that the government has been recognizing the “productive and enduring relationship” between the US and the Philippines.

“We acknowledge our shared commitment to help preserve the peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” Lorenzana said.

“These air assets will significantly improve the navys ability to prepare naval pilots for the crucial task of monitoring and safeguarding our maritime territories and domain,” he noted.

In the past two decades, the United States provided $110million (P5.65billion), in grant assistance through FMF specifically to support the Philippines’ sovereignty and modernization efforts.