The joint aviation exercise between the Philippines and the United States air forces dubbed Cope Thunder PH 24-1 at the Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga shifted on Monday to the less strenuous Subject Matter Expert exchange (SMEE).
This phase of the drill involved insights on aircraft maintenance, supply, and logistics management.
The Philippines and US airmen exchanged best practices on maintaining open communication with suppliers, enhancing the Logistics Information System (LIS) for better spare parts sustainability and storage, and emphasizing the importance of an engine test cell in maintenance facilities.
The SMEE was spearheaded by the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) of the United States Air Force.
This collaboration underscores the ongoing commitment of the Philippine Air Force to continuous improvement and excellence in aviation operations.
Basa represents the biggest U.S. investment among the five EDCA sites in the Philippines, with $66 million allocated to the base out of the initial total of $82 million. The base currently hosts the Philippines’ elite fighter squadron, consisting of 12 FA-50PH Fighting Eagles.