THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) donated a decommissioned S-211 Marchetti trainer aircraft to Barangay 183 in Pasay City in recognition of the historical significance of Nichols Field in the barangay, the recognized birthplace of the PAF.
Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño led the blessing and transfer of the aircraft last Sunday at the Menzi Park Ground, Andrews Avenue in Barangay 183.
“This decommissioned aircraft, with tail number 814, previously operated by the PAF’s 5th Fighter Wing under the Air Defense Command, served the nation in various capacities, including jet training, air defense exercises, and counter-insurgency operations,” said Air Force spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.
Castillo said the aircraft was decommissioned after it was deemed “beyond economical repair.” However, she could not say when the aircraft was decommissioned.
The Air Force said the donation of the S-211 to Barangay 183 was “not just a commemoration of the past but also a vision for the future, symbolizing the strong relationship between the PAF and the community.”
It said the transfer of the aircraft to Barangay 183 “honors the historical significance of Nichols Field, recognized as the birthplace of the Philippine Air Force.”
“The S-211 aircraft will serve as a lasting symbol of the PAF’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s skies and inspiring future generations,” it added.
The S-211s are designed as a trainer aircraft but were used by the Air Force for other missions such as territorial defense and maritime patrol after the decommissioning of its F-5 fighter jets in 2005.
“We used the S-211s for jet qualification training. But they were also used for maritime patrol, for internal security operations, for airstrikes,” said Castillo.
“When we had no fighter jets, we used them (S-211s) for territorial defense, for maritime patrol,” she also said.
They are complementing a number of FA-50 fighter jets which the Air Force use as the primary aircraft in territorial defense operations.
Castillo said the PAF still has three operational S-211s and these are being used for maritime patrol operations.
Asked if the S-211s are still used for surface strike missions, Castillo said, “If they are needed, they can still (perform such missions. But we already have priority aircraft for surface strike missions.”
