PAF retires Huey helicopters after nearly six decades of service

MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has decommissioned its entire fleet of Bell UH-1H Iroquois “Huey” helicopters, ending nearly six decades of service for the military aircraft type in the country.

The decommissioning ceremony was held at Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Thursday.

PAF spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian said the PAF had six UH-1H helicopters remaining in its inventory, all of which were still operational before their retirement.

The UH-1H’s history with the PAF dates back to March 29, 1969, when the first four units arrived at Villamor Air Base.

For nearly 60 years, the helicopters supported military operations and humanitarian missions across the country, serving through generations of pilots, aircrew and maintenance personnel.

“The Huey is iconic of the Philippine Air Force,” Capinguian told reporters in a virtual interview, recalling the motto of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, which operated the aircraft: “Always There.”

“In every major activity, in every major operation and humanitarian mission, the UH-1H has always been there,” he said.

Capinguian added that the Huey was one of the PAF’s most beloved aircraft among Filipinos because people could see and interact with it during rescue and relief operations.

The official also shared his personal experiences flying the Huey, particularly during disaster response missions.

He recalled the satisfaction of delivering relief goods to communities affected by calamities and seeing the hope of residents receiving assistance.

“My most memorable experience with that aircraft… is when we are the first people na nakikita ng mga tao delivering help. Hindi mo made-describe ‘yung tuwa ng tao. You see hope in their eyes. It just gives you this feeling of satisfaction na nakatulong ka in a very, very tangible way,” he said.

According to Capinguian, the decision to retire the fleet was driven by the PAF’s need to shift to more modern platforms capable of meeting the requirements of today’s armed forces.

“It’s part of the modernization. The UH-1H has run its course. As iconic as it is, hindi na siya nakaka-catch up sa modern needs ng armed forces,” he said.

He also noted that the Huey’s role had become increasingly limited in recent years, with some of the remaining units mainly used for training at their home base in Cebu.

The six decommissioned helicopters were turned over to the Air Logistics and Support Command. They will initially be placed in storage while the PAF determines their eventual disposition.

The PAF’s S-70i Black Hawk helicopters have already taken over the Huey’s former air transport role, with the newer aircraft offering greater carrying capacity and more modern capabilities.