PE Air Force gets revamped
Date: 16 October 2003
The South African Air Force has upgraded its Port Elizabeth operations as part of efforts to improve itself after a decade of rationalisation. Forward Air Command Post has now become Port Elizabeth Air Station, just one step beneath being a fully-fledged Air Base.
The city and the Air Force have had a long and happy relationship in the past. However, rationalisation saw the famous 16 helicopter Squadron disbanded in 1990 and the base downscaled with only two helicopters. The upgraded Air Base will be better equipped to support military aircraft.
While the number of aircraft based here permanently will not increase, more planes will operate in and around Port Elizabeth. They will be used in search and rescue operations, training exercises and in the war against poaching of marine resources.
During the ceremony, command was handed over to Lieutenant-Colonel Lenox Mzongwana, a pilot who used to be stationed in the city.
SABC News
