Quezon town deploys decommissioned Huey helicopter as tourist attraction
PHOTO via Danny Estacio
GUMACA, Quezon – This town has deployed a decommissioned Philippine Air Force UH-1H Huey helicopter as its newest tourist attraction at the Greenbelt Park here.
The aircraft was turned over by the PAF on Monday, May 10, through Major Gen. Dennis Estrella, a native of this town, to the municipal government headed by Mayor Webster Letargo who hopes that it will become a symbol of heroism and inspiration.
The helicopter with tail number Huey 292 was part of the first batch of Bell UH-1H Iroquois that the country received in 1969 and among the PAF’s first modern helicopters.
Letargo said that the helicopter is not more than just an attraction. It represents the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the pilots and crew who served in various operations from troop transport, rescue missions, evacuation, to combat support in different parts of the country.
The helicopter was also used as gunships to support military operations.
Letargo hopes that the helicopter will bring history closer to the public and serve as a reminder of the important role of the Armed Forces in defending and serving the country.
The helicopter was transported by trailer truck here.