ABOUT 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.