2 Squadron SAAF

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2 Squadron
Information
Role Attack/Interception
Aircraft Operated Atlas Cheetah C and D
Home Base AFB Makhado
Motto "Sursam Prorsusque" (Upward and Onward)
History
Date Founded January 1939
Badge
Notable Battle Honours East Africa 1941 - The Juba & The Lakes, Western Desert 1941 – 1943 - Sidi Rezegh, Agedabia, Gazala, El Alamein,

French North Africa 1943 - El Hamma & Tunis, Mediterranean 1943, South East Europe 1944 – 1945, Italy 1943 – 1945 - The Sangro & Gothic Line, Korea 1950 – 1953 - Pjong-Jang
Foreign Military Honours   United States Presidential Unit Citation

  Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation

Contents

[edit] History

2 Squadron is currently the premier squadron in the South African Air Force, and has a long history, having been involved in every single combat action in which the SAAF has taken part.

During the Second World War it made a name for itself in the battles for East Africa, before distinguishing itself in North Africa as part of the Desert Air Force, and later in Italy.

The squadron was South Africa's contribution to the United Nations war effort during the Korean War from November 1950 to December 1953. Initially flying the P-51 Mustang, the squadron re-equipped with the F-86 Sabre in February 1953. During the war the squadron flew a total of 12 067 sorties, most being dangerous ground attack missions. 74 of the 94 Mustangs and 4 out of the 22 Sabres were lost, along with 34 pilots.

For their actions, the squadron received the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and United States Presidential Unit Citation, along with numerous other awards and decorations.

In addition, the Commanding Officer of the USAF's 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, to which the squadron was assigned, issued a directive at the end of the war that: "In memory of our gallant South African comrades, it is hereby established, as a new policy that at all Retreat Ceremonies held by this Wing, the playing of our National Anthem shall be preceded by playing the introductory bars of the South African National Anthem, 'Die Stem van Suid-Afrika'. All personnel of this Wing will render the same honours to this Anthem as our own."

The squadron also played a vital role during the South-West Africa/Angola Border War.

[edit] Current status

The squadron currently operates the Cheetah C\D fighter aircraft and is equipped with 28 examples. The squadron flew 1050 hours in 2005.[1]

As the only fighter squadron in the SAAF at the moment the squadron has sole responsibility for air defence and strike missions. Reconnaissance is also performed using Vinten Vicon 18 Series 601 pod. Regular night flying is performed and the aircrew also performed air to air refueling operations with the Boeing 707 aircraft of 60 Squadron, until these were retired in 2007. The squadron takes part in the annual SANDF force preparation exercises and employs live weapons annually. During joint exercises with the German Luftwaffe in 2006, 40 live V3S "Snake" short range air to air missiles were fired at the Denel weapons range at AFB Overberg.[2]

The squadron will be re-equipping with the JAS-39C/D Gripen from 2008 onwards. It is envisioned that the squadron takes up a role in the South African Government's African peace keeping initiatives, using the JAS-39.

From 2006 to 2007 there has been a Gripen test flying at the SAAF's test flight and development centre at AFB Overberg. It was shown taking off in October 2007 loaded with eight inert 'dumb' bombs on a testing sortie.

LAST FLIGHT OF CHEETAH 2 APRIL 2008

[edit] Previous Aircraft Operated

[edit] References

Notes
Bibliography
  • Halley, James J. The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth, 1918-1988. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1988. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.

[edit] External links