Gov’t will take care of your health, well-being, PBBM assures 250th Airlift personnel

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday assured the personnel of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing (250th PAW) that the government will take care of their health and well-being so they can efficiently carry out their mandate.

“Rest assured that this Administration is resolute to see that your health, well-being and wellness are taken care of so that you continue to carry out your duties efficiently,” President Marcos said during the 56th Founding Anniversary of the 250th PAW at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Multi-purpose Gymnasium, Colonel Jesus Villamor Airbase, Pasay City.

“Let us continue to rise higher, reach further, dream bigger; let us ensure that the legacy you have built is not just remembered, but carried forward with pride and with purpose.”

The President also encouraged the personnel of the 250th PAW to reflect not just on what they have accomplished, but on what lies ahead, noting that it is not enough to rest on the laurels of past victories. He emphasized that the members of the command must look inward, examine their strengths and weaknesses, and commit to continuous improvement.

“Let us be reminded that it is not just our work that defines us, but also the depth of our commitment, the strength of our character, and the nobility of our cause,” he stressed.

The 250th PAW is one of the premier flying units of the PAF, mandated to provide air transport to the President, the First Family, visiting Heads of State, and other important personalities.

In April 1972, the unit was renamed the 7001st Presidential Airlift Squadron and was later upgraded to the 700th Special Mission Wing in December 1974 in light of its increasing personnel and air assets. It was designated the 250th PAW on July 16, 1986.

Among the 250th PAW’s accomplishments are the completion of 4,465 sorties, with 445 flights exclusively for the President, as well as achieving 8,416 accident-free flying hours.

The unit also supported humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions by ferrying the President and Cabinet officials to disaster-affected communities.

Additionally, the unit crafted the 250th PAW Operations Handbook aimed at enhancing its operational effectiveness and established the Defense Acquisition System Assessment Team for the Presidential Aircraft Acquisition Project to procure an aircraft that could support the President’s international and regional trips. PND