JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- In support of the government of the Philippines, and with their approval and invitation, the United States is conducting a third iteration of a rotational Air Contingent in the Philippines Sept. 25.

As part of this contingent, the U.S. Air Force is sending two C-130 Hercules aircraft and Airmen from the 374th Air Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam and other units from across PACAF to Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines. While there, the PACAF Airmen will conduct bilateral training missions as well as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and integrate with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) forces.

The purpose of the Air Contingent is to promote increased interoperability between U.S. and Filipino forces, and to further enhance security cooperation between the allies.

Pacific Air Forces Airmen stood up the first rotation of an Air Contingent at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 16, following a joint announcement that highlighted several initiatives aimed to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.

The first two-week contingent in April consisted of A-l0C Thunderbolt IIs, HH-60G Pave Hawks and approximately 200 personnel from multiple Pacific Air Forces units. The second Air Contingent two-week iteration stood up June 15, 2016, comprised of EA-18G Growlers along with Navy and Marine personnel.