Defence Helicopter Command
In recent years, many air forces (not forgetting the army and naval forces) have restructured, and cut their expenses, resulting in a reduced number of aircraft, personnel and locations. This is also true of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. A few types are now being phased out, including the MBB Bö-105. Several air bases have been scheduled to close. Even the gates of Soesterberg, which has a long history in aviation, will soon have to close. This will result in the transfer of a large part of the helicopter fleet of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The SA.316B Alouette IIIs, the CH-47D Chinooks and the AS.532U2 Mk2 Cougars will have to move to their new home base.
On the fourth of July, the Defence Helicopter Command (Defensie Helikopter Commando) was founded at the Gilze-Rijen airbase. During the official ceremony a few squadrons were (re)established: 299, 930, 931, 990 and 991. On the same day, Commodore Ten Haaf was installed as the new commander of the Defence Helicopter Command. The ceremony included a fly past of all the helicopter types in the inventory... |
