CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines – 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 Department of War National Guard Bureau 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 Philippine Air Force 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 Subject Matter Expert Exchange 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 Subject Matter Expert Exchange 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 Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, including maintenance test flights, local-area orientation flights 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 Tactical Helicopter Wing. “It sharpens coordination in complex environments and builds the interoperability needed to remain mission-ready – anytime, anywhere.”
Through the State Partnership Program, Hawaii 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 the United States Indo-Pacific Command's priorities, 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 Army National Guard 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 partnership's adaptability, supporting the Philippine Air Force’s integration of new capabilities.
The Subject Matter Expert Exchange 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 that partnerships like this aren’t just built – they’re flown, forged through trust and strengthened with every mission side by side.