THE Philippine Air Force has formed a major unit, called Air Combat Command, to strengthen the country’s “air power” as it continues to confront internal and external threats.
Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes activated the Zamboanga City-based ACC, headed by Maj. Gen. Marcelino Randy Tibayan, during simple rites through video-teleconference on Monday.
The activation of the ACC came shortly after the deactivation of the Tactical Operations Command that Tibayan last commanded.
“It’s just like changing the name (of TOC to ACC) and re-organizing the units under it,” said Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Aristides Galang, adding the ACC will have the same base and officer roster of the TOC.
Galang said the Tactical Operation Wings operating in the regions, previously under TOC, were transferred to the command and control of Paredes.
However, the 15th Strike Wing and 710th Special Operations Wing, formerly under the Air Force chief, are now the ACC. The ACC will also have the control over the 530th Air Base Wing, previously under TOC.
“This transformation reaffirms not only the PAF’s commitment to be a relevant and capable force provider responsive to national security and development, but more importantly, to maximize the full and lethal potential of combat air power,” said Paredes.
Paredes said the ACC “will be the champion of the Surface Strike Core System in our PAF Flight Plan.”
With its current force structure, the ACC will have control over an array of attack fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters (from 15th Strike Wing) and ground combat units (from 710th Special Operations Wing).
“This significant change is our definitive response to ensure that our units are dependable and functional to support the increasing combat demands of the Armed Forces,” Paredes said.
“It is our way of building a robust combat posture and sustaining the gains of our continuing ISO (internal security operations) campaign plans against the enemies of the state,” Parades added.
