SLAF Heavy Lifters in the Skies celebrates 66th Anniversary
September 06, 2023Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron established on 01 September 1957, at SLAF Base Katunayake celebrated its 66th Anniversary on 01 September 2023.
During the past 66 years, the squadron has flown 17 different types of aircraft including Air Speed Oxford as the first induction to the Squadron and the current fleet consists of Antonov 32Bs and Hercules C-130s.
The main tasks of the Squadron includes Air Transport operations including Scheduled Flights, Casualty and Medical Evacuations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations both local and overseas, Surveillance and Reconnaissance flights, Parachute Training and VIP/VVIP transport Overseas Flight operations, the SLAF sources stated.
Through the valiant efforts, this squadron played an indispensable role in maintaining an essential air bridge that linked the Jaffna Peninsula to Colombo for nearly two decades, spanning from 1991 to 2009 during the challenging times of the Eelam War, the SLAF added.
The SLAF Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa served as a Commanding Officer from 01 January 2010 to 28 March 2011 and presently Wing Commander Muditha Samarakoon commands the No. 2 Squadron as the Acting Commanding Officer.
The No. 2 Squadron was bestowed with the colours of His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 2009.
