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The P-51 Mustang Era (1952- 1955)
In 1952, two Basa-based Mustangs took off in formation from Fernando Air Base in Lipa city. Immediately, upon airborne, the two planes went on an inverted flight and completed their negative G-climb into a roll. Flight Lead 2Lt Claro M. Recto Jr and wingman 2Lt Jose FL Gonzalez were grounded even before they could land at Basa. The brief performance, however, served all the more to convince Gonzalez that a precision aerial team was possible. With the approval of the 6th Tactical Squadron Commander, Major Jose L Rancudo, Lt Gonzalez went from one pilot to another, casually judging character and selecting members. By the first quarter of 1953, he had a basic four-man team composed of Lts Isidro B Agunod (left wing), Ricardo T Singson (right wing), Pascual C Servida (slot), with himself as the lead. Lt Cesar L Raval was taken in as airborne reserve. They constituted the PAF’s first Aerial Precision Team. In November 1953, the participated in an air show during the Philippine Aviation Week. The team flying P-51 Mustangs, did the roll and the Immelman turn immediately after take –off. The spectators in the know were particularly awed to see Lt Gonzalez’ Mustang hanging inverted on its propeller at the top of the Immelman turn. It was a rare sight to behold. The demonstration was termed a historical feat. 1954 2Lt Generoso B Jesena was admitted as the team’s second reserve. The team was officially proclaimed as The Blue Diamond, as identification of their basic diamond formation. The word Blue was affixed as an apparent referral to the Air Force. The team stretched to a five-plane formation and thrilled spectators as they swooped to execute complicated exercises.
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