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25th Composite Attack Squadron
25th Attack Squadron
"Lobos"

The mission of the 25th Composite Attack Squadron is to conduct tactical air operations designed to destroy enemy forces and installations within its area of responsibility. Its specific functions include: Providing close air support for ground and naval forces; performing tactical air reconnaissance; providing rocket, bomb, and gun attacks on enemy forces and installations; performing organizational maintenance of assigned aircraft and related systems; and performing other functions as may be directed by higher headquarters.

On 29 March 1976 the 25th Attack Squadron was activated pursuant to General Orders 305, Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, dated 25 March 1975. Based at Sangley Air Base, Cavite City, the unit was given the mandated to provide close air support to ground and naval forces in the Western Command Area of Responsibility. The unit also conducted long range armed reconnaissance over the Kalayaan Island Group and the off shore oil exploration area. The unit acquired the name "Lobos" and was also referred to as the "Wolfpacks." The Squadron was initially equipped with the T-28D aircraft and became an active player in various successful air operations in critical areas of the country.

During the unrest in the early 1980s severe shortages of equipment and manpower affected the entire Armed Fores of the Philippines. As a result on 1 October 1983 the 25 Attack Squadron was inactivated pursuant to General Orders Number 426, Headquarters Philippine Air Force.

The 15th Strike Wing's Advanced Command Post Mindanao at Colonel Edwin Andrews Air Base was then activated, providing a focal point for coordination and control of all aircraft and personnel of 15th Strike Wing in the area of responsibility of Southern Command. The ACP Commander, normally the most senior officer deployed in Zamboanga, was then responsible for coordinating operational mission requirements for the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing and Southern Command.

On 7 July 2004 , under the initiative of the PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Jose L. Reyes, the 25th Attack Squadron was reactivated and redesiganted as the 25th Composite Attack Squadron. The unit was based at Edwin Andrews Air Base, Zamboanga City. The unit, equipped with the OV-10 aircraft, became a guardian of peace and sovereignty against all anti-government elements in Mindanao. Other 15th Strike Wing assets deployed in Mindanao, such as MD-520MG helicopters and SF-260TP aircraft were placed under the operational control of the Squadron.

Following its reactivation, the squadron performed numerous air strike operations against Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Lost Command, Misuari Breakaway Group (MBG), Abu Sayyaf Group (ABG), Pentagon Gang, New People's Army (NPA) and other rebel groups in the Mindanao-Sulu AOR.

Also, in order to further improve the OV-10's lethality, the Squadron worked to develop and hone tactics. The unit's Night Surface Attack Tactics (NSAT) were first utilized during the Jolo campaign of February 2005. Most of the OV-10's deployed in Mindanao were equipped with locally fabricated 20mm cannon pods to further enhance the weapons suite of the OV-10. These weapons came from the Philippine Air Force's F-5 Freedom Fighter fleet, which was finally retired in October 2005

The Squadron also participated in various military operations and exercises. The 25th Composite Attack Squadron supported Philippine-Malaysia Border Patrol Operations, by employing the OV-10's in maritime patrol missions in the Southern tip of the country. It also participated with Malaysia during the Malaysia-Philippines Search and Rescue Exercise (MALPHI SAREX), as part of the Disaster Relief Coordinating Council team.