SLAF Deploys an Aviation Unit under UN Mission in South Sudan
12:01am on Saturday 6th June 2015
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) will deploy
its second aircraft deployment overseas, when three MI 17 Helicopters
proceed to South Sudan tomorrow to take on the role of an Aviation Unit
in South Sudan under the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South
Sudan (UNMISS).
The three (03) Mi-17 helicopters from the SLAF fleet along with 104 personnel consisting pilots, engineers and other supporting staff will proceed in the next few days. Wing Commander Vishwa Samantha will be the Contingent Commander in South Sudan.
The first element which comprises 2 Officers,10 Airmen and the three MI 17 aircraft will be transported by AN 124 aircraft on 06 Jun 15. The Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke checked the initial loading process taking place at SLAF Base Katunayake on 05 June 15.
The Sri Lanka Air Force was selected for the mission through a competitive evaluation process by the UN. The professionalism of its pilots, the technical expertise and know-how of its engineering elements along with the discipline of its entire force was considered at this evaluation process.
This achievement of the SLAF speaks volumes of the trust and confidence commanded by the entire military forces of Sri Lanka and would go a long way in boosting the Nation’s image further in the international arena. Besides, this endeavor would bring substantial economic gains to the country as well.
This helicopter deployment will be tasked to carry out VIP transportation, transportation of food and equipment, domestic flying, para dropping and medical evacuation in the South Sudan, in support of the overall UN mandate for that nation.
The three (03) Mi-17 helicopters from the SLAF fleet along with 104 personnel consisting pilots, engineers and other supporting staff will proceed in the next few days. Wing Commander Vishwa Samantha will be the Contingent Commander in South Sudan.
The first element which comprises 2 Officers,10 Airmen and the three MI 17 aircraft will be transported by AN 124 aircraft on 06 Jun 15. The Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke checked the initial loading process taking place at SLAF Base Katunayake on 05 June 15.
The Sri Lanka Air Force was selected for the mission through a competitive evaluation process by the UN. The professionalism of its pilots, the technical expertise and know-how of its engineering elements along with the discipline of its entire force was considered at this evaluation process.
This achievement of the SLAF speaks volumes of the trust and confidence commanded by the entire military forces of Sri Lanka and would go a long way in boosting the Nation’s image further in the international arena. Besides, this endeavor would bring substantial economic gains to the country as well.
This helicopter deployment will be tasked to carry out VIP transportation, transportation of food and equipment, domestic flying, para dropping and medical evacuation in the South Sudan, in support of the overall UN mandate for that nation.
