ILANG bagong Blackhawk military helicopters ang dineploy sa nasasakupan ng Western Mindanao Command para lalo pang palakasin ang kanilang giyera kontra teroristang grupo at ang kanilang humanitarian and non- combat missions.
Tinanggap ng Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Wing-Western Mindanao (TOW-WM), isang major unit ng Air Force na nasa ilalim ng Command and Control ng Western Mindanao Command, ang ilang unit ng S70i Blackhawk Utility Helicopters.
Gagamitin ang nabangit na military choppers sa combat operations at quick response for humanitarian aid.
Ayon kay WestMinCom Commander, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. dahil sa deployment ng Blackhawk helicopters ay higit na mapalalakas ang kakayahan ng Armed Forces sa kanilang lethal and non-lethal operations.
“We are very grateful that the top brass considered the deployment of these air assets which will greatly contribute to the accomplishment of our missions here in Western Mindanao,” ani MGen Rosario Jr.
Bago ang isinagawang welcome ceremony sa Edwin Andrews Air Base sa Barangay Sta. Maria, inikot muna ng helicopters ang lungsod ng Zamboanga habang lumilipad nang mababa bago nagsagawa ng descend procedure at saka nag direct-perpendicular land sa EAAB ramp patungong 206th ramp.
Sinaksihan nina Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, WestMinCom Deputy Commander for Operations; Brig. Gen. Elpidio Talja, Jr., Deputy Commander ng Air Combat Command; at Col. Dennis Estrella, Wing Commander of TOW-WM ang nasabing seremonya.
“Expect that with the deployment of the Blackhawk helicopters in our unit, our operations will greatly improve as these helicopters have larger capacity and more impressive horsepower allowing a faster and longer-range transport. In addition, the said helicopters have the ability to absorb high-impact velocities enabling it to withstand strong turbulent winds,” ani Col. Estrella. (JESSE KABEL)
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