Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo – A graduate of Philippine Air Force Flying School (PAFFS) assumed today as the new commander of Tactical Operations Group 6 (TOG6), 2nd Air Division, and Philippine Air Force in a change of command ceremony here.

Colonel Frederick Cutler, a graduate of Pilot Training at PAFFS in 1991 and a seasoned combat pilot, succeeded Colonel Rene Honasan who commanded TOG6 since April 2011.

In his remarks, Colonel Honasan expressed thanks to the men and women of this unit and said that he might not be a perfect commander but the unwavering support of his men made him accomplished many things that made this unit stand-out among the other units.

On the other hand, Colonel Cutler on his assumption remarks said that he will pursue the good things that were started and initiated by his predecessor.

Brigadier General Nestor Deona, Commander of 2nd AD, PAF and the Presiding Officer during the ceremony, acknowledged the hard work, resourcefulness and intelligence and the remarkable accomplishments of the outgoing commander.

TOG6 was originally based at former Iloilo Airport in Manduriao, Iloilo City. Its headquarters was transferred to Camp Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo on 2009 when the airport was transferred to the Cabatuan-Sta Barbara boundaries.

The presence of TOG6 in the Visayas has greatly contributed and complemented the efforts of Army forces in the maintenance of peace and in disaster rescue and relief operations in this region, according to the TOG6's press release sent to The News Today.

They cited as accomplishments are the relief and rescue operations during tropical storms "Frank" in 2008 and "Sendong" in 2011, and the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that severely his Negros Oriental early this year.

During the stint of Colonel Honasan as commander, TOG6 crafted its own operational framework consistent with the objectives and intent of Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan" with the motto: "Let's think, organize, and go bayanihan for a just and lasting peace in Western Visayas.

With this orientation and focus, the unit was able to accomplish 25 civic action activities, 14 medical and dental civic action programs, six bloodlettings, two disaster relief operations and support to seven socio-cultural activities.

Significant among these various activities was the library project for two depressed schools in Alegria Elementary School in Dingle, Iloilo and Tubudan National High School in San Remigio, Antique from 2011 to 2012 wherein 3,000 books and one desktop computer were donated to each school.

TOG6 was adjudged as 2nd AD's TOG of the year for 2012. The unit will likewise receive the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Streamer Award as TOG of the year during the PAF anniversary on July 4, 2012.

The unit was also adjudged as the best TOG for the year 2011 making it the only unit in PAF that received this distinguished award for two consecutive years.*