Clark Air Base
Clark Air Base is a Philippine Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines, located 3 miles west of Angeles, about 40 miles northwest of Metro Manila. Clark Air Base was previously a United States military facility, operated by the U.S. Air Force under the aegis of Pacific Air Forces an…
How big is Clark Air Force base in the Philippines?
It covered an area of about 12 square miles (30 square km) and was located 48 miles (77 km) north of Manila near the foothills of the Cabusilan Mountains. Philippine and U.S. dignitaries attending a ceremony in 1979 at Clark Air Base, central Luzon, Philippines.
What happened at Clark Air Force base in 1991?
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- On June 10, 1991, Col. Jeffrey R. Grime, commander of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Clark Air Force Base, began carrying out the order to evacuate Clark Air Base, Philippines. U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay eventually followed suit. It was worried that a harmless looking nearby volcano, Mount Pinatubo, would erupt.
Where is Clark Air Force base?
Clark Air Base is a Philippine Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines, located 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Angeles City, about 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Metro Manila.
When did Clark International Airport become part of the Philippines?
The Philippine Senate rejected this extension of the Military Bases Agreement on 16 September 1991. On 26 November 1991, the U.S. government formally turned Clark over to the Philippine government, which transformed the airfield into the Clark International Airport .
See more
Is Clark Air Force base in the Philippines still active?
The base was a stronghold of the combined Philippine and American forces during the final months of World War II and a backbone of logistical support during the Vietnam War until 1975....Clark Air BaseIn useUnited States 1903–1942, 1945-1991 Empire of Japan 1942–1945 Philippines 1991–presentGarrison information13 more rows
Is there a US military base in the Philippines?
Naval Base Subic Bay was a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the Spanish Navy and subsequently the United States Navy located in Zambales, Philippines....U.S. Naval Base Subic BayBuilt bySpainIn useSpain 1885–1898 United States 1899–1942, 1945–1992 Japan 1942–1945 Philippines 2022~present7 more rows
Who built Clark Air Base?
American air power in the Western Pacific began in March 1912 when Lieutenant Frank Lahm established the Philippine Air School with one aircraft. Five years later, construction of the first five of eight hangars would begin. The final three hangars would be completed by the 3d Aero Squadron, U.S. Army, in 1919.
Why did Subic Bay close?
After a dispute over rent for the property and growing resentment over a spate of bad behavior by American personnel stationed at Subic, the Philippine government told the Navy to leave. The U.S. closed the facility in 1992.
Is the US Navy going back to Subic Bay?
Under a commercial deal signed between the Philippine government, through the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and US-based Cerberus Capital Management, the US Navy can come back to an old shipyard abandoned by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines after it went bankrupt in 2019.
When did US military leave Philippines?
The Philippines told the United States today that it must withdraw from the Subic Bay naval base by the end of 1992, ending a vast American military presence that began with the capture of the islands from Spain in 1898.
How many air bases are there in the Philippines?
nine major airThe Philippine Air Force has nine major air bases and several radar, communications, and support facilities located throughout the archipelago.
When was Clark Air Base bombed?
8 December 1941Attack on Clark FieldDate 8 December 1941 Location Clark Field, Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines Result Japanese victoryBelligerentsUnited States Commonwealth of the PhilippinesJapanCommanders and leaders6 more rows
Is Clark part of Pampanga?
Located in the heart of Philippine's Central Luzon region, Clark is part of Pampanga province, bounded on the north by Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, Bulacan on the east, on the south by Bataan, and on the west by Zambales.
Is Subic Bay still a US naval base?
Following the U.S. withdrawal in November 1992, the former naval base was turned into a sprawling port known as Subic Bay Freeport. But amid heightened tensions in the nearby waters, where Manila and Beijing are locked in a territorial dispute, there has been a renewed appreciation of the bay's strategic importance.
Who kicked the US out of the Philippines?
The U.S. Navy's pullout from the Philippines comes as a result of the Philippine Senate's rejection last year of a treaty that would have extended the American military presence in the country for at least another decade in return for more than $2 billion in aid.
Does the Navy still go to the Philippines?
U.S. military special operators are working with the Philippine military to fight against Islamic State-affiliated insurgents in the southern islands. Many of the 164 Marines in the Philippines serve as embassy guards. The Navy reported 10 active-duty and nine civilian personnel stationed in the Philippines.
How many American bases are in the Philippines?
There are over 20 US bases and military facilities operating on Philippine territory, occupying 90000 hectares of land.
How much money do you need to retire in the Philippines?
International Living, a magazine that extensively covers the costs of residing in different countries, reports that most expats can live comfortably with $1,000 to $2,200 a month. That includes housing and going out to enjoy what the Philippines has to offer.
What is Visiting Forces Agreement between US and Philippines?
This 1999 agreement provides the rules, guidelines and legal status of US soldiers during military exercises in the Philippines. After announcing the cancellation of the VFA in February 2020, Duterte has since suspended the process of termination three times – in June and November 2020, and again in June 2021.
Is the Philippines a US ally?
The United States and the Republic of the Philippines have a deep relationship that includes a bilateral security alliance, extensive military cooperation, close people-to-people ties, and many shared strategic and economic interests.
When was Clark Air Base established?
The history of Clark Air Base, Philippines, dates back to the late 19th century when it was settled by Filipino military forces. The United States established a presence at the turn of the century.
What happened to Clark Field in 1941?
Following the 8 December 1941 air attack on Clark Field and MacArthur's decision to fall back on Bataan, American forces abandoned Fort Stotsenburg. Thus, except for the airdrome itself, the base was spared the ravages of war.
What aircraft was used in Clark Field?
It was in the 1920s that the Martin MB-2 biplane was introduced and subsequently extensively used for Clark Field operations. The U.S. Army Air Service contingent in the Philippines consisted of the 28th Bombardment and 3rd Pursuit Squadrons, forming the 4th Composite Group.
What were the first buildings built at Clark?
By the mid-1920s, the initial stages of construction at Clark had been completed such as aircraft hangars and support buildings. Also completed by this time were enlisted barracks, a bachelor officers quarters, and eight "barns" along what is now Marratt Highway.
How many P-40Es were in the 24th group?
the 24th Group consisted of the 3rd Pursuit Squadron (18 P-40 Es) at Iba and the 17th and 21st Squadrons, with 18 P-40Es each, at Nichols Field, Manila, now Villamor Air Base, a total of 54 craft. the 2nd Observation Squadron also had O-46 and O-52 aircraft at Clark.
Why was Clark's role important?
became more deeply involved in the war in Southeast Asia, Clark's role as a supporting base became more important and more people were assigned than could be housed in existing permanent quarters. Even new dormitories proved insufficient to meet the influx and so "temporary" housing once again came to Clark.
When were the first airmen at Clark Field?
The first airmen at Clark Field constructed their "dormitories" in September 1919. The 20-man tents were put up under a canopy of cogon grass, which cooled the interiors. By 1920, a 200-bed capacity single enlisted quarters with natural air-conditioning provided by large, unscreened windows had replaced the 3d Aero Squadron's original tents.
When was Clark Air Base turned over to the Philippines?
5, he paid tribute to the “Ash Warriors.”. The American flag was lowered for the last time by those same warriors on Nov. 26, 1991, and Clark Air Base was turned over to the government of the Philippines, ending more than 90 years of U.S. service there.
What happened at Clark Air Base?
Much had happened over the years at Clark Air Base. Allied prisoners of the Bataan Death March passed by the main gate. The base was recaptured by the Americans in January 1945. The base supported conflict operations in both Korea and Vietnam. Much can be learned by the tragedy of the eruption.
How many people were evacuated from Subic Bay?
When the evacuation began on June 10, it was a land evacuation bringing 15,000 personnel and several thousand vehicles onto U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay. Preparations for the arrival of so many was quickly found to be inadequate, but senior officer and NCO leadership quickly started sorting out the situation.
What was the Richter scale in Luzon in 1990?
As a result of this and other activity of the NPA, there were frequent restrictions to base. In July 1990, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale shook central Luzon.
When did the steam plume hit the base?
This was followed by several typhoons, though not as bad as a super typhoon that had smashed through the base in 1989. So it was a few days after the steam plume appeared on April 2, 1991, during a regular staff meeting the 3rd Support Group commander, Col. John Murphy, mentioned the threat of a volcano eruption.
Where did the Air Force leave the Philippines?
at Anderson Air Base, Guam. The United States Secretary of the Air Force announced on July 12, 1991, that the Air Force would leave the Philippines for good. When SECAF visited Clark Air Base on Nov. 5, he paid tribute to the “Ash Warriors.” The American flag was lowered for the last time by those same warriors on Nov. 26, 1991, and Clark Air Base was turned over to the government of the Philippines, ending more than 90 years of U.S. service there. What started out as Fort Stotsenburg in 1903 was but a memory. Much had happened over the years at Clark Air Base.
When did Clark Air Force Base evacuate?
On June 10, 1991 , Col. Jeffrey R. Grime, commander of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Clark Air Force Base, began carrying out the order to evacuate Clark Air Base, Philippines. U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay eventually followed suit. It was worried that a harmless looking nearby volcano, Mount Pinatubo, would erupt. Indeed, the mountain had been releasing steam since the previous April.
What was Clark Air Base named after?
It was first established as a U.S. military camp for the 5th Cavalry after the Spanish-American War (1898). The base was named Clark Field in 1918 for Major Harold M. Clark, a pre-World War I pilot. On December 8, 1941, at the outset of the Pacific phase of World War II, the installation was the principal target of raids by Taiwan-based Japanese bombers that destroyed more than half of the U.S. Army’s aircraft in East Asia. After the Japanese occupied the Philippines (1941–42), the airfield became a major Japanese base of operations during the war. The first Japanese kamikaze (suicide) flight was made from Clark in 1944 as U.S. forces began the process of recapturing the Philippines. In the post-World War II era, Clark Air Base became the largest U.S. military air base outside the United States and a vital connecting link with U.S. forces in South Korea and, later, Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam War (1955–75), Clark Air Base served as a strategic supply base and fighter-squadron installation.
What is the Clark Freeport Zone?
The Philippine government subsequently converted the air base and the surrounding area into a free port and a special economic zone , known as the Clark Freeport Zone. The industrial and transportation facilities developed there attracted foreign trade and investment, thereby stimulating the economic growth of central Luzon.
When did the Japanese take over the Philippines?
After the Japanese occupied the Philippines (1941–42), the airfield became a major Japanese base of operations during the war. The first Japanese kamikaze (suicide) flight was made from Clark in 1944 as U.S. forces began the process of recapturing the Philippines.
Where is the ash layer in Luzon?
Heavy layer of volcanic ash covering the surface of Clark Air Base, central Luzon, Philippines, following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991.
Overview
Clark Air Base is a Philippine Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines, located 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Angeles City, about 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Metro Manila. Clark Air Base was previously a United States military facility, operated by the U.S. Air Force under the aegis of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and their predecessor organizations from 1903 to 1991. The base covered 14.3 sq…
History
Clark Air Base was originally established as Fort Stotsenburg in Sapang Bato, Angeles, Pampanga in 1903 under control of the U.S. Army. A portion of Fort Stotsenburg was officially set aside for the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps and named Clark Field in September 1919 after Harold M. Clark. Clark later served as a landing field for U.S. Army Air Corps medium bombers and accom…
Culture
Clark Air Base was arguably the most urbanized military facility in history and was the largest American base overseas. At its peak around 1990, it had a permanent population of 15,000. It had a base exchange, large commissary, small shopping arcade, branch department store, cafeterias, teen centers, hotel, miniature golf, riding stables, zoo, and other concessions.
Higher commands
Clark Air Base was assigned to the following major commands:
• War Dept, 1903
• Philippine Dept, 1917
• The Adjutant General of the Army, Dept of the Philippines, 1919
Climate
Climate at the base is characterized by two distinct seasons: a "dry season" from November through April, and a "rainy season" with monsoon rains that occur from May through October. During the dry season, winds are usually northeasterly and skies are fair. Some afternoon showers tend to appear by April. April brings the highest average temperatures of any month, though the hottest days of the year tend to occur in May. Due to the very dry state of vegetation at this time…
See also
• Clark Freeport Zone
• Clark International Airport
• Clark Veterans Cemetery
Other United States Air Force installations in the Philippines:
• Camp O'Donnell
Bibliography
• Fletcher, Harry R. (1989) Air Force Bases Volume II, Active Air Force Bases outside the United States of America on 17 September 1982. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-53-6
• Mandocdoc, M. and David, C.P. 2008. Dieldrin Contamination of the Groundwater in a Former US Military Base (Clark Air Base, Philippines). CLEAN Air, Soil, Water Journal 36 (10–11), 870–874.
Further reading
• Anderegg, C.R. (2000). The Ash Warriors. Government Printing Office. ISBN 978-0-16-086941-9.
Overview
The history of Clark Air Base, Philippines, dates back to the late 19th century when it was settled by Filipino military forces. The United States established a presence at the turn of the century.
World War II: the 1940s
On 8 December 1941, General Douglas MacArthur, who recently had been called back to active service and placed in command of all U.S. and Philippine forces, had known of the attack on Pearl Harbor since about five in the morning, but insisted on delaying any hostile act by the forces under his command until the Japanese committed an overt attack on the Philippines, this was in accordanc…
The Americans first come to Angeles
In the late 19th century, a British company working under contract to the colonial Spanish administration, had completed the Manila–Dagupan Railroad and at the time of America's victory over the Spanish, this still represented the best means of transportation in Luzon. Following the incidents that led to the beginning of US–Philippine hostilities and Emilio Aguinaldo's withdrawal to the north from M…
Fort Stotsenburg
See Fort Stotsenburg
Beginnings: the 1910s
American air power in the Western Pacific began in March 1912 when Lieutenant Frank Lahm established the Philippine Air School with one aircraft. Five years later, construction of the first five of eight hangars would begin. The final three hangars would be completed by the 3d Aero Squadron, U.S. Army, in 1919. This squadron was Clark Field's first aviation unit. Men of the squadron began the grueling work of building the first runway at Fort Stotsenburg in 1919. This …
The 1920s
By the mid-1920s, the initial stages of construction at Clark had been completed such as aircraft hangars and support buildings. Also completed by this time were enlisted barracks, a bachelor officers quarters, and eight "barns" along what is now Marratt Highway.
It was in the 1920s that the Martin MB-2 biplane was introduced and subsequently extensively used for Clark Field operations. The U.S. Army Air Service contingent in the Philippines consisted of th…
The 1930s
Martin B-10s were stationed at Clark Field with the 28th Bombardment Squadron in the late 1930s. When the 28th received new B-17s, three of these very outmoded B-10s were transferred to the Philippine Army Air Corps.
Reconstruction: late-1940s and 1950s
Post World War II, Clark Field saw a building boom, with barracks, operations, and storage buildings being constructed at a breakneck pace. Constructed during this period were "liberation barracks", which housed enlisted men, a base operations building, a post office building, an outdoor movie theater, the NCO Open Mess, and the Clark AB golf course, once one of the finest golf courses o…