The lone permanent South African Air Force (SAAF) helicopter presence in the Eastern Cape, Gqeberha-based 15 Squadron Charlie Flight, spent much of May and June flying humanitarian relief missions in the flood-ravaged coastal province.

Missions and sorties were executed as per the standing SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Joint Operations Division tasking Operation Chariot. Four areas – Joubertina, Kouga, Wilderness and the Baviaanskloof region – were named by Lieutenant Siphesihle Gqirana from Air Force Station (AFS) Port Elizabeth as where the flight’s BK117s put in the majority of flying time.

Gqirana reports the humanitarian supply delivery operation saw close co-ordination between AFS Port Elizabeth personnel; the Gift of the Givers Foundation, said to be the largest disaster response non-governmental organisation (NGO) of African origin on the continent, and what are termed local role players. Among others a three-strong aircrew – Major Cornelius Oberholzer (pilot), Sergeant Carel van Dalen (flight engineer) and Captain Jonty Krugell (intelligence officer) – flew just short of eight hours delivering food parcels to multiple flood affected communities in the Baviaanskloof area.

Sorties and drop-offs were the order of the day and ensured locals – unable to use normal supply routes due to damaged infrastructure such as bridges and roads – put the precision, co-ordination and resilience of the aircrew to the test in wet, overcast and windy conditions.

“The involvement of AFS Port Elizabeth again demonstrated the South African Air Force’s commitment to serving the people of South Africa beyond its primary defence mandate. Through rapid response capability, aviation support and logistical expertise, the Air Force remains a dependable partner in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. For affected residents, the arrival of relief teams brought reassurance and hope during a challenging period.

“In the face of adversity, the SAAF continues to stand ready to serve with honour, courage and compassion. This humanitarian mission reaffirmed the strength of collaboration, resilience and service, proving even the most isolated communities are not forgotten and no South African stands alone in times of need,” Gqirana wrote.

 

Republished with permission of DefenceWeb.