THE second version of Cope Thunder 2023 was officially launched on Friday on by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Maj. Gen. Augustine Malinit, chief of the Air Defense Command, was guest of honor and speaker at the opening ceremony.
The US was represented Brig. Gen. Sarah Russ, mobilization assistant to the director of strategy, plans, programs, and requirements of the Pacific Air Forces.
On hand to welcome Russ was Brig. Gen. Leo Fontanilla, commander of the PAF’s 5th Fighter Wing.
Col. Thomas Ryan Seguin, exercise director of Cope Thunder PH 23-2, presented the participants.
In his remarks, Malinit expressed gratitude for the successful execution of the first phase of this bilateral military exercise, codenamed Cope Thunder 23-1, which was held last May.
Malinit underscored the exercise’s significance in mission planning capabilities, execution of defensive and offensive counter-air operations utilizing fighter and cargo aircraft.
Malinit affirmed that Cope Thunder 23-2 is an opportunity to assimilate forces and augment interoperability between the Philippines and the U.S.
Capping the launch was a tour of the Haribon Hangar where an F-22 and A-10 fighter jets of the U.S. Air Force, along with an F-50 of the PAF, were on display
The bilateral exercise which will run until July 21, will engage 585 PACAF service members and 687 airmen from The events will cover subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) and field training exercises (FTXs) to be held at several PAF air bases, including Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga; Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac; Brig.
Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; and in General Santos City.
The CT PH 23-2 bilateral air operations exercises will primarily focus on large force deployment of aircraft.