The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Monday, Dec. 16, that it transferred a decommissioned S-211 Marchetti jet trainer to the local government of Barangay 183, Zone 21 in Villamor, Pasay City as a symbolic gesture to honor the legacy of Nichols Air Field, now known as the Villamor Air Base.
The S-211 aircraft with tail number “814” was handed over by PAF Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño to village officials led by barangay captain Alvin Zuñiga during a joint blessing and formal transfer ceremony held at the Menzi Park Ground in Barangay 183 on Sunday, Dec. 15.
“The placement of the aircraft in Barangay 183 honors the historical significance of Nichols Field, recognized as the birthplace of the Philippine Air Force. The S-211 aircraft will serve as a lasting symbol of the PAF's dedication to safeguarding the nation's skies and inspiring future generations,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.
The versatile S-211 Marchetti aircraft was acquired by the PAF in 1944 and previously operated by the 5th Fighter Wing under the Air Defense Command.
The PAF said that the aircraft served the nation in various capacities including jet training, air defense exercises and counter-insurgency operations.
Parreño, in his speech, recognized the importance of Barangay 183 as the home of the former Nichols Air Field, and hopes that the local government will be a longtime partner in preserving aviation history.
He emphasized that the donation of the S-211 Marchetti “is not just a commemoration of the past but also a vision for the future, symbolizing the strong relationship between the PAF and the community.”
Now mounted in Barangay 183, the aircraft will serve as a landmark and educational tool to help raise awareness among the younger generation about the sacrifices and achievements of the PAF, according to the local government.
The ceremony was also attended by Maj. Gen. Fabian M. Pedregosa, commander of Air Defense Command; Brig. Gen. Leo A. Fontanilla, wing commander of the 5th Fighter Wing; other PAF officials and employees of Barangay 183.
For his part, Zuñiga hopes that the aircraft will inspire the younger generation of Barangay 183 to enter the Air Force and serve the country.
“Ngayon, titingala na kaming mga dating batang Nichols nang may ngiti habang inaalala ang aming masasayang nakalipas at habang hinahayaan din ang mga batang Villamor na gumawa ng kanilang sariling ala-ala para sa pamayanan ng Bagong Villamor (We, former Nichols youngsters, can now look up with smiles on our faces while reminiscing fond memories of the past, while allowing the current young generation of Villamor to make new memories for the community of New Villamor),” the barangay captain said.
Nichols Air Field holds great significance to the country’s rich history. It was established by the United States government in 1919 to serve as an airfield by the United States military.
The air field was seized by imperial forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines from December 1941 to January 1945. It was eventually liberated on February 15, 1945 by the combined forces of the 11th Airborne Division and the 511th Parachute Infantry, XIV Corps of the US Army and Filipino resistance group 47th Infantry Regiment of the Hunter’s-ROTC guerrillas.
The Nichols Air Field was turned over to the Philippine government in 1948, a year after the PAF became a distinct military service in 1947, and renamed after Captain Jesus Villamor, the first recipient of the Medal of Valor for the Air Force.