Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base

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U.S. Air Force

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About Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base

Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines, was originally established by the United States during the Vietnam War era as a strategic support and staging base. After the US military left in the early 1970s, the base was turned over to the Philippine Air Force and was later renamed in honor of Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen, a distinguished Air Force commander. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in air mobility, humanitarian missions, and disaster response operations in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Today, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base continues to serve as a vital hub for the Philippine Air Force’s transport and logistical operations.

Unit Members

John Meidl

U.S. Air Force

Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air BaseView Profile

Larry Young

U.S. Air Force

Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air BaseView Profile

Photos

Osan Korea Electronic Warfare Technician

51 Component Repair Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1979

Boeing 767 Captain

U.S. Air Force • 2017

Towing Gliders

U.S. Air Force • 2000

C-141 Flight Engineer Graduation

708 Military Airlift Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1982

About Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Strategic Location: Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base is located in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, Cebu, serving as a key air base in the central Philippines. • World War II Origins: The airfield was established during World War II by American forces, playing a role in the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation. • Named After a Hero: The base is named after Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen, a distinguished Philippine Air Force officer who served as its commanding general and tragically died in a plane crash in 2002. • Disaster Response Hub: Due to its central location, the base is often used as a staging area for humanitarian aid and disaster response operations, including during Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. • Shared Runway: The air base shares its runway with the Mactan–Cebu International Airport, making it unique among Philippine Air Force bases. • Home to the 220th Airlift Wing: The base houses the 220th Airlift Wing, which is responsible for tactical and strategic airlift operations across the archipelago. • VIP Transport Missions: The base is a common departure and arrival point for VIPs, including the President of the Philippines and foreign dignitaries visiting Cebu. • Training Ground: It is a vital training center for Philippine Air Force personnel, especially for airlift and logistics operations. • UN Peacekeeping Support: Aircraft and personnel from the base have been deployed in support of United Nations peacekeeping missions abroad. • Community Engagement: The base regularly conducts outreach programs, medical missions, and civic action projects benefiting nearby communities in Cebu.