On Friday 25 February 2011, The South African Air Force will host a parade at Air Force Base (AFB) Makhado where a change of command will take place amongst four different Air Force units simultaneously at 10h30.
The units are: 2 Squadron, 85 Combat Flying School, 3 Air Servicing Unit and 515 Squadron.
Transformation in the Air Force has come full circle with the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col) Musa Mbhokota as the first black pilot to assume command of 2 Squadron which is the host to Gripens and Hawks.
Colonel Silumko Vaaiboom, Lt Col Kevin Ogden and Lt Col Iris Joan Owen will also officially assume command of 5 Air Servicing Unit, 85 Combat Flying School and 515 Squadron respectively.
85 Combat Flying School is primarily responsible for producing air crew for Gripens and Hawks while the 3 Air Servicing Unit and 515 Squadron deal with technical support and protection services respectively.
As the Air Force’s prime fighter base, AFB Makhado boasts state of the art facilities which are meant to sustain the government’s priority of ensuring that the people of South Africa are and feel safe. It is in this vein that the Air Force has entrusted this mammoth responsibility to the officers mentioned above to be the drivers of this endeavour.
You are cordially invited to send a journalist and/or a cameraperson/photographer to cover the event. Please RSVP as indicated below on or before 12h00 on Thursday 24 February 2011.
Air transport has been arranged to ferry assigned journalists on a one-day-return trip to Air Force Base Makhado. Kindly be advised that space is offered on a first-come-first-serve basis and please provide your contact details and RSA Identity Document Number.
Travelling details:
Departure: Air Force Base Waterkloof
Time:07h00
Arrival in Makhado:09h00
Departure in Makhado:12h00
Arrival at Waterkloof:13h00
RSVP/Enquiries:
Captain Ntsikie Mantshongo
Tel: 012 355 6388
Cell: 084 464 1918
South African Air Force: Change of command parade to be held at Air Force Base Makhado
