Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base

• 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.