Balikatan 2026: 21st AEW and 600th ABG leadership meet to strengthen interoperability at BK26
Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. Alexander Ilagan, 600th Air Base Group deputy commander, left, greets Col. Paul Julian, 21st Air Expeditionary Wing deputy commander, right, trade patches during Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 21, 2026. Patch swapping is a long-standing military tradition that symbolizes the exchange of camaraderie, mutual respect and shared mission commitment between partnered forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran)