LAKAS DAGATNIN NG PILIPINAS: LAKAS DAGATNIN NG PILIPINAS: BAKAWANAN 2010, inilunsad ng Philippine Navy

LAKAS DAGATNIN NG PILIPINAS: BAKAWANAN 2010, inilunsad ng Philippine Navy

Philippine Navy Participated in the 15th PIHAB Festival

CLARK AIR FIELD, PAMPANGA – Philippine Navy contingent, headed by Lt. Cdr. Gilbert Pacio PN, triumphed over their successful participation in the 15^th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival as two of their pilots received awards from the organizers Feb. 13, 2010.

“Naval Air Group’s Lt. Taborlupa and Lt. Dela Vega were awarded Best Trainer Pilot and Best Pilot, respectively, for their participation in the helicopter demonstration and balloon bursting competition where the Navy aviators finished second overall,” Lt. Cdr. Gilbert Pacio PN said in an interview.

The Philippine Navy has been a key performer in the annual event, holding three overall championship titles in the balloon bursting competition with Lt. Cdr. Lincuna, now commanding officer of PG395, as the three-time champion in the individual category.

Other Navy participants have been the consistent crowd drawers in the static display where hundreds of festival spectators mobbed to their booth for a photo session with the equipment, armaments and personnel of the Philippine Marines Force Reckon Team and the Naval Special Operations SEAL, diving and explosive ordnance teams. The Fleet Marine Ready Force showcased their photos taken during their rescue and relief operations at the height of typhoon “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”

The Philippine Marines skydiving team also made a series of high-altitude jump to add to the fun and excitement of the festival. The team made a total of nine jumps in tandem with the Army skydiving team.

NAG’s R22 Trainer Helicopter was a regular crowd favorite where almost 1,130 visitors (children and adult) fell in line to have a got-the-feel ride in the helicopter.

“The Navy contingents also became instant love inspiration when they distributed roses to single and married ladies including elders during the closing day of the festival, which happened to be Valentine’s day,” Pacio said.

“The PIHAB Festival is an annual event that helps boost the tourism industry in the former US air base. The Philippine Navy has been participating in this event since 2006,” Pacio added.