To conquer the skies has been one of man’s greatest and oldest desires. Man’s mastery of the skies has changed the world and the course of history. Air warfare is almost entirely a creation of the 20th century and it has forever changed the very nature of warfare.
Commander of The Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa
It was during the Great War also known as World War 1 (1914–18) that the use of powered aircraft became widespread. Some of the greatest generals in history such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and Napoleon fought their battles without the aid of aircraft. If they had air power with them, what might they have achieved? The world could be completely different.
Dedicated service
The 67th anniversary of No. 02 Heavy Transport Squadron SLAF Base Katunayake falls today. Sixty-seven years of patriotism. Sixty-seven years of dedicated service. Sixty-seven years where these men and women have dedicated their lives for the future of our nation. They are some of the best and brightest of the Sri Lankan Air Force. Their commitment to serving the nation shines through in every mission they undertake. Each day they stand ready to protect our motherland with unwavering loyalty, determination and strength.
At the No. 02 Heavy Transport Squadron SLAF Base Katunayake, there are two military quotes displayed on the walls:
“If we lose the war in the air, we lose the war, and lose it quickly.” -Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery
Group Captain Dinesh Kasagala, Commanding Officer No 2 Heavy Transport Squadron
“The most difficult and complicated operation of all is to transport troops and equipment through the air and drop them into a hostile area.” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower
The role of the Squadron is to carry out Air Transport Operations such as Air maintenance and scheduled air services. It also conducts Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Non- scheduled transport operations and maritime air operations.
During the war against terrorism, the squadron played a brave and crucial role in maintaining an essential air bridge that linked the Jaffna Peninsula to Colombo for nearly two decades, conducting cargo and troop transportation, the evacuation of military or other casualties to hospital (MEDEVAC), aerial bombardment, maritime air operations, surveillance and reconnaissance and overseas flights in support of operation.
Now, it is carrying out HADR operations, scheduled flights, VVIP/VIP flights, parachute training, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, civil transport operations, mobility for governance and election duties, MEDEVAC and air displays to promote national integration. It is also the only Squadron in the Sri Lanka Air Force that conducts overseas flights.
During the past 67 years, the Squadron has flown 17 types of aircraft such as Air Speed Oxford, Prestwick Pioneer, De Havilland Dove, DC 3 Dakota, S 51 Dragon Fly, De Havilland Heron, De Havilland Rily Heron, Cessna 337 Sky Master, HS 748 Avro, Beech 18, Cessna 421 Golden Eagle, B 200, SiaiMachetti, Y-8 and Y-12s.
Last week the Sunday Observer visited the No. 02 Heavy Transport Squadron SLAF Base Katunayake, and saw first- hand how it functions. The base itself is impressive, but even more impressive was the hands-on AN-32B flight ride. The view from the cockpit really was magnificent, keeping in mind that this was probably the first time some of us had flown with Air Force personnel in a SLAF plane.
The day started off with a presentation where the media was shown cutting edge technology/software/simulated pre- flight briefing, carried out prior to the flight, which was extremely impressive.
Wing Commander Muditha Samarakoon, was the Captain Pilot of the AN-32B plane we flew in. “We have four such planes here. We bought these planes in 1995. We imported/bought them from the Ukraine. When talking about its performance, this aircraft can carry 50 passengers. It can carry six tons of cargo. It can fly to a height of 29,000 feet,” he said.
BOX TEXT- No. 2 Squadron: Honouring the Bravery and Resilience of Its Officers
No 2 Heavy Transport Squadron was established on 1st September 1957 at SLAF Base Katunayake under the command of Flt Lt PH Mendis.
Humanitarian operations
As the No. 2 Squadron spans its commitment over 67 years of distinguished service in the Combat Support Operations in the role of air transportation in the SLAF, the contributions that it has made to the country in terms of military and civil requirement are colossal and intangible, notably the assistance provided throughout the humanitarian operations and establishing air diplomacy in the events of regional disasters.
At present, the No. 2 Squadron shelters classic Lockheed C-130 Hercules and AN-32B aircraft together with a dynamic and professional team of aircrew and engineers who are tirelessly working hard to keep the flag flying high.
It is true that in the past, the largest percentage of flying has been carried out by the No. 2 Squadron, and the commitment of the squadron was above 50 percent of the total air operation hours done by the Air Force from 1996 to 2005.
During this period, many pilots of the squadron made their supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy. However, the squadron continued to discharge its responsibility in the challenging environment, keeping the lifeline intact in the northern peninsular. Although the designated role of the squadron may sound limited in its area of responsibility, throughout its life span, No. 2 Squadron has performed many flights in so many fields of air operations to keep with the slogan of the SLAF.
Group Captain, Dinesh Kasagala, Commanding Officer, No. 2, Heavy Transport Squadron, said that the Squadron does the heavy transportation within the country and out of the country. “This is both in terms of military (troop and cargo), but we also do flights in support of civilians. If the Ministry of Defence (MOD) approves us to transport certain items, we do that.
We do military troop transportation, cargo transportation, casualty transportation, HADR operations and maritime surveillances. We also do overseas flights in support of UN missions. When the water crisis happened in the Maldives, we transported drinking water purification systems from Singapore to the Maldives.
In 2018, when the Nepal earthquake happened, our aircraft was the first aircraft to bring relief to Nepal, even before India. We also flew to Pakistan a couple of times during their earthquake carrying relief equipment. In 2018, we did a HADR exercise with the Indian air force.”
The present Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa served as a Commanding Officer during the period of January 1, 2010 to March 28, 2011 and was a pillar of knowledge and strength to many pilots of the Air Force.
