22 Squadron SAAF
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2009) |
| 22 Squadron | |
|---|---|
AFB Ysterplaat | |
| Motto(s) | Ut Mare Liberum Sit (That the Seas may be Free) |
| Colors | 1942–1945 East African coast, 1944–1945 Gibraltar, 1945 Egypt |
| Equipment | Atlas Oryx M2, Westland Super Lynx 300 |
| Commanders | |
| Officer Commanding | Lt Col K.G Jonker |
| 2IC | Lt Col A.R. Senoamadi |
| Squadron Warrant Officer | WO2 L. Mhambi |
| Insignia | |
| 22 Sqn Badge |  |
22 Squadron is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a maritime helicopter squadron operating Lynx and Oryx helicopters for the South African Navy. Originally formed in 1942, the squadron is the only current maritime helicopter squadron of the SAAF. It has been involved with many rescues, some gaining international attention as well as arctic base support.
History
| This section includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2014) |
The squadron was formed in Durban on 1 July 1942 by renaming 31 Flight to 22 (Torpedo-Bomber-Reconnaissance) Squadron. It was equipped with ex-SAA Junkers Ju 86s as well as a number of Avro Ansons, and was assigned to anti-submarine, coastal reconnaissance and convoy support duties.[1]
It had a relatively unremarkable period of duty in
The latest chapter in the squadron's history began on 1 January 1964, when it was recreated at
At the end of the 1980s, the Westland Wasps were withdrawn from service, but the squadron received a number of
This squadron is the sole maritime helicopter squadron of the SAAF, and therefore provides all helicopters, air and ground crew for operation aboard South African Navy vessels. It has previously been tasked with supporting South Africa's Antarctic research station, and therefore operated two specially modified Atlas Oryx M2 helicopters, suitable for use in the extreme conditions. One of the M2s was written off after a crash landing in July 2004.
Wasp helicopters from the squadron were involved in the rescue of
Apart from official military support the squadron is involved in
The squadron's Alouette IIIs were retired in August 2007. The first of four
Previous aircraft operated
See also
Notes
References
- Green, William. War Planes of the Second World War: Volume Ten Bombers and Reconnaissance Aircraft. London:Macdonald, 1968.
- Martin, H.J. (Lt-Gen); Orpen, N.D. (1979). South Africa at War: Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War: 1939–1945 (South African Forces World War II: Volume VII). Cape Town: Purnell. p. 282. ISBN 0-86843-025-0.
External links
