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3rd Air Division

The mission of the 3rd Air Division is to conduct tactical air operations in support of the AFP forces within the area of Mindanao and some surrounding islands. Its specific functions included providing close air support to AFP ground and surface forces; conducting aerial reconnaissance, medical evacuation, disaster relief and rehabilitation, and combat search and rescue operations; conducting air activities in support of socioeconomic, resource protection, and other nation-building tasks of the government; developing, operating and maintaining the base facilities and strategically located air bases and stations; performing other functions as directed by higher headquarters.

The 3rd Air Division was first activated on 1 April 1976 pursuant to General Orders Number 395, Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, dated 26 March 1976. The 530th Composite Tactical Wing (Provisional) was redesignated at the same time as the 530th Air Base Wing and became the core component of the Division. Added to this were various tactical formations.

On 1 February 1999 the 3rd Air Division was inactivated as a result of the activation of the Tactical Operations Command, pursuant to General Orders Number 16, Headquarters Philippine Air Force, dated 11 January 1999.

In August 2007 the Philippine Air Force experienced a major reorganization, which saw the reactivation of the 3rd Air Division. As of 2009 the 3rd Air Division consisted of the 530th Air Base Wing, Tactical Operations Groups 9, 10, 11, 12, and Tactical Operations Group Sanga-Sanga. Under its operational control were the 206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron, the 223rd Airlift Squadron, the 25th Composite Attack Squadron, the 304th Air Intelligence Service Squadron, the 4223rd Supply Distribution Squadron, the 6th Air Reserve Center, the 678th Finance Support Unit, the 722nd Special Operations Squadron, and the 772nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron. Operationally controlled units were subject to frequent rotation.