The United States Army
04/29/2026 | News release | Archived content
Hawai‘i and Philippine aircrews mark rare bilateral milestone aboard shared aircraft
1 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Maj. John Worthington, left, Army Aviation Support Facility commander, standardization pilot, and instrument examiner assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, and Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. John Paul Delgado, right, commander of the 210th Tactical Training Squadron; prepare for a flight in a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Maj. John Worthington, left, Army Aviation Support Facility commander, standardization pilot, and instrument examiner assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, and Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. John Paul Delgado, right, commander of the 210th Tactical Training Squadron; prepare for a flight in a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Philippine Air Force Sgt. Julius Chun Manasan, left, mechanic, assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing; U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, center left, senior mechanic and standardization instructor assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard; Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. John Paul Delgado, center, commander of the 210th Tactical Training Squadron; and U.S. Army Maj. John Worthington, right, Army Aviation Support Facility commander, standardization pilot, and instrument examiner assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, poses for a photo in front of a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, left, senior mechanic and standardization instructor, assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard; Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. John Paul Delgado, center, commander of the 210th Tactical Training Squadron; and U.S. Army Maj. John Worthington, right, Army Aviation Support Facility commander, standardization pilot, and instrument examiner assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, poses for a photo in front of a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 5 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Maj. John Worthington, Army Aviation Support Facility commander, standardization pilot, and instrument examiner assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, prepares for a flight in a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 6 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing prepare for flight operations alongside Hawaii Army National Guard personnel from Company C, 1st Battalion, 183rd Aviation Regiment, during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, brings together U.S. and Philippine forces to enhance bilateral training, strengthen partnerships, and improve readiness in support of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 7 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, senior mechanic and standardization instructor assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, conducts preflight checks on a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 8 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, senior mechanic and standardization instructor assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, conducts preflight checks on a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 9 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, senior mechanic and standardization instructor assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, flies aboard a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 10 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Philippine Air Force Sgt. Julius Chun Manasan, left, mechanic, assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, and U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, right, senior mechanic and standardization instructor assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, conducts preflight checks on a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, enables both forces to share maintenance best practices and strengthen interoperability across rotary-wing operations. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 11 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Austin McConnel, M134D maintenance technician assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard, provides instruction to Philippine Air Force personnel assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing on the operation and maintenance of the M134D Minigun during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, enabled the Hawaii National Guard to support the Philippine Air Force's requirements by sharing expertise on a recently acquired weapons system, thereby strengthening interoperability and enhancing mission readiness. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 12 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Austin McConnel, M134D maintenance technician assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard, provides instruction to Philippine Air Force personnel assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing on the operation and maintenance of the M134D Minigun during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, enabled the Hawaii National Guard to support the Philippine Air Force's requirements by sharing expertise on a recently acquired weapons system, thereby strengthening interoperability and enhancing mission readiness. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 13 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Austin McConnel, M134D maintenance technician assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard, provides instruction to Philippine Air Force personnel assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing on the operation and maintenance of the M134D Minigun during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, enabled the Hawaii National Guard to support the Philippine Air Force's requirements by sharing expertise on a recently acquired weapons system, thereby strengthening interoperability and enhancing mission readiness. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 14 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force personnel assigned to the Hawaii National Guard pose with Philippine Air Force members assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing in front of a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, brings together U.S. and Philippine forces to share expertise, strengthen interoperability, and reinforce the longstanding partnership in support of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 15 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force personnel assigned to the Hawaii National Guard pose with Philippine Air Force members assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing in front of a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, brings together U.S. and Philippine forces to share expertise, strengthen interoperability, and reinforce the longstanding partnership in support of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 16 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Maj. John Worthington, left, Army Aviation Support Facility commander, standardization pilot, and instrument examiner assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, and Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. John Paul Delgado, right, commander of the 210th Tactical Training Squadron; prepare for a flight in a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, strengthens interoperability and reinforces the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces through shared training and operational collaboration. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 17 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul Berzinas, maintenance officer and test pilot assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, provides a preflight briefing to a Philippine Air Force aviator assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing during a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, enables U.S. and Philippine forces to align tactics, share expertise, and strengthen interoperability across rotary-wing operations. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL 18 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing take flight with U.S. Army and Philippine Air Force aircrew members during a Hawaii National Guard and Philippine Air Force Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 15, 2026. The exchange, conducted under the State Partnership Program, brings together U.S. and Philippine forces to enhance bilateral training, strengthen partnerships, and improve readiness in support of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. (Photo Credit: Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) VIEW ORIGINAL
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines - Hawaii National Guard and Philippine Air Force aviators conducted a Rotary Wing Subject Matter Expert Exchange April 13-17, strengthening trust in the cockpit, exchanging lessons in real time and reinforcing a partnership through shared flight operations.
Conducted under the 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 reflecting a high level of trust, integration and operational alignment between the two forces.
Building on the inaugural 2023 Rotary Wing SMEE 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 SMEE 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 orientations 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 THW. "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 priorities outlined by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, 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 ARNG 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 and supported the Philippine Air Force's integration of new capabilities.
The SMEE 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: Partnerships like this aren't just built - they're flown, forged through trust and strengthened with every mission side by side.
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
The United States Army published this content on April 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 06, 2026 at 20:49 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]