The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially retired its entire fleet of UH-1H helicopters on November 5, 2026, in a formal Decommissioning Ceremony held at Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base (BGBNEAB) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — ending nearly six decades of continuous service for the aircraft type.
At a glance
- Event: decommissioning ceremony retiring the PAF UH-1H helicopter fleet
- When and where: November 5, 2026, Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
- Led by: PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura PAF
- First arrival: four UH-1H helicopters at Villamor Air Base on March 29, 1969
- Handover: official documents of the UH-1H helicopters to the Commander, Air Logistics Support Command
- Source: PAF Public Affairs Office press release No. 11-01-2026
The ceremony marked the conclusion of a legacy that began on March 29, 1969, when the first four UH-1H helicopters arrived at Villamor Air Base, according to the Philippine Air Force Public Affairs Office press release No. 11-01-2026 issued on the day of the ceremony.
Commanding General Leads Farewell Ceremony
PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura PAF led the ceremony alongside PAF officers, enlisted personnel, and other guests. During the event, Lieutenant General Cordura delivered a formal address and handed over the official documents of the UH-1H helicopters to the Commander of the Air Logistics Support Command (ALSC).
In keeping with military aviation tradition, a PAF UH-1H helicopter received a water cannon salute.
57 Years of Military and Humanitarian Operations
According to the PAF Public Affairs Office, the UH-1H fleet supported various military operations and humanitarian efforts across the country throughout its service life. The aircraft type served for approximately 57 years, spanning multiple generations of PAF pilots, aircrew, and maintenance personnel.
The decommissioning closes what the PAF described as "an important chapter" in the institution's history, with the service characterising the helicopter's record as a reflection of the "dedication and professionalism" of all personnel who operated and maintained the fleet.
Retirement Tied to PAF Modernization Drive
The PAF Public Affairs Office stated that the retirement of the UH-1H fleet is part of the air force's continuing modernisation and capability development efforts. No replacement aircraft type was specified in the press release.
The PAF said the UH-1H's legacy and the contributions of the personnel behind it "will remain part of the institution's enduring heritage."
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force Public Affairs Office