THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) has showcased its Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) capabilities during this year’s “Balikatan” exercise, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday.
The training, conducted April 28 to 30 off the coast of Iba, Zambales, featured the PAF’s 505th Search and Rescue Group working closely with their American counterparts.
The participants carried out realistic CSAR operations simulating the recovery of downed aircrew in hostile maritime conditions.
“Utilizing Bell 205A and Super Huey helicopters, PAF personnel performed helocast insertions and hoist extractions, with aerial security. A US C-130J located the survivor and deployed a survival kit, enabling a seamless joint response,” the AFP said.
The exercise also featured a United States Marine Corps V-22 Osprey conducting a parallel CSAR mission, emphasizing interoperability between allied forces.
Following the simulated rescue, the PAF’s S7 aeromedical team provided in-flight medical care operation before transferring the patient to ground medical personnel at Clark Air Base.
According to the AFP, these complex drills sharpened both nations’ readiness for life-saving missions in contested environments and the vital role of the 505th SRG in national and allied operations.