Karachi, : AW-139 (Augusta Westland) helicopters were inducted into No 88 Search and Rescue squadron of Pakistan Air Force on Saturday enhancing its capabilities.
With the induction of this state of the art helicopter on its inventory, this Search and Rescue squadron has been renamed as No 88 Combat Support Squadron and Advanced Helicopter Training School.
A ceremony in this connection was held at PAF Base, Shahbaz in Jacobabad with chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman as chief guest.
In his address on the occasion, the Air Chief said the induction of AW-139 helicopters would considerably enhance the operational capabilities of this squadron and would serve as a conversion unit for the young pilots to train them on this system. He said the induction of these helicopters is a manifestation of our firm commitment to modernization and capability enhancement of the PAF.
The Air Chief said due to versatile roles of these latest helicopters the PAF`s vision of taking its Helo fleet into 21st century can be achieved.
On the occasion he also inspected guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of the Force. A three ship formation, comprising 01 MI 171 and 02 AW 139 Augusta helicopters presented the fly past over the venue. High ranking military officials along with civil dignitaries also attended the ceremony
