Basilio Fernando Air Base, or simply Fernando Air Base is the site of the Philippine Air Force's pilot training and education facilities located in the city ofLipa, Batangas, Philippines. It is named after Lieutenant Colonel Basilio Fernando, who had died during an airplane training accident in the US. It is also the location of PAF Air Education and Training Command of Philippine Air Force. Throughout the years, it has been consistently awarded as the Philippine Air Force’s Model Base of the Year for its well maintained appearance, excellent base services, aggressive ecological and environmental control, and consistent safety and security control.
Location
It is located in Lipa, Batangas, about 83 km SSE of Manila, Philippines. It is above sea level and is situated on a plateau overlooking Taal Volcano with an area of of land which keep its climate temperature cool all day.
History
The base was built by the U. S. Army prior to the Pacific War. On December 22, 1941 the 27th Bombardment Group temporarily transferred its personnel to Lipa before departing on December 25 to Cabcaben Airfield. During early 1942, it was occupied by elements of the Japanese Imperial Army 16th Division commanded by General Morioka. During the Japanese occupation, Lipa Airfield was repaired and expanded by the Japanese. On 12 April 1948, the late President Manuel Roxas directed the renaming of Lipa Air Base to Fernando Field and subsequently, to Fernando Air Base in honor of Lt. Col. Basilio Fernando, one of the pioneers of Philippine aviation. In 1952, Fernando Air Base became a training base called the 100th Training Wing where training units and other support units of the Philippine Air Force were grouped. The base was used to train Philippine airmen. There were 3 different learning/training facilities on the base: The Air Force Flying School, the Technical Training Center, and the NCO Academy, which conducted continuing education for NCO's. These facilities were staffed with instructors from the 100th Training Wing until 22 September 1999, when the functions were subsumed by the Air Education and Training Command.
It is one of the Major Commands of the Philippine Air Force. On 21 September 1999, the 100th Training Wing was deactivated and the Air Education and Training Command was established with a greater responsibility and wider scope of training task.
Primary Units
The command is composed of six primary units namely:
