Images

Chief of the SAAF, Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano

Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Mluleki George

The trophies

16-ship formation of Astras

New SAAF pilots told to be proud, loyal

The Chief of the SAAF, Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano, acknowledged that the airlines paid their pilots more than the airforce, but requested that, should airforce pilots they decide to join the airlines, they remain loyal to the airforce and be leaders in whatever they do.

Gagiano was speaking at a Wings Parade held at AFB Langebaanweg, near Cape Town, today and SAairforce.co.za was proud to be invited.

The same theme was picked up by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Mluleki George. He said: ‘I plead with the parents and all those who are receiving their badges today to please remain in the South African Air Force and not be lured by the juicy carrots that are dangled by the commercial airlines. Life is not all about money, but satisfaction and happiness usually comes from the service one renders to others and to one's country'.

Held under partly cloudy skies, sixteen student pilots from Course 108/07, seventeen student pilots from Course 107/06, one from Course 106/05, together with 30 other recipients, received their wings. These included Air force Reserve Pilots, Navigators, Flight Engineers, Electronic Warfare Operators, an Electronic Technician and Load Masters.

In his address, Gagiano emphasized the need for discipline and integrity. He also thanked all those airforce members who were serving long hours in support of the peace forces, often under less than desirable conditions.

Referring to the Strategic Defence package, George confirmed that twelve Agusta A109 helicopters had been delivered, with another five expected in the first quarter of 2007. Eleven Hawk trainers had also been delivered to 85 CFS, while only one Gripen has so far been delivered.

In his speech, George mentioned that many were opposed to the arms package by saying that South Africa does not have any visible enemies. In his reponce, George said: ‘This could be termed as mischievousness, or ignorance of world affairs. If for some reason South Africa were to find itself faced with a war situation, how would we expect to defend ourselves?'

The acquisition of the arms should also be seen in the context of the peacekeeping duties played by South Africa in Burundi and the DRC. He continued: ‘We do not acquire (the arms) to make war, but to make peace and to prevent possible hostile action against our country and neighbours'.

The number of Blacks and women in all musterings had not yet reached set levels, but significant steps had been made. Recent reports of Whites having no future in the airforce have worried George a great deal. He described these ‘naughty' people as ‘downright liars'. George stated that ‘affirmative action is not a racial tool. It is meant to be a temporary tool to level the racial playing fields so that in future we do not have to deal with problems of race'.

Although it was noticed that there was a lack of White soldiers in the lower ranks of the SANDF, this was slowly starting to change.

Guests were entertained to a display of the Silver Falcons prior to the commencement of proceedings. The SAAF Band marched in the Guard of Honour, wherafter a sixteen ship formation of Astras flew overhead. After the General Salute and Inspection of Parade, the presentation of the wings and trophies was held. After the speeches, the parade paid the Final Compliment. With the band playing ‘Those wonderful Men and their Flying Machines' the parade marched off while the formation of sixteen Astra broke overhead.

Congratulations to the following:

Report by Dean Wingrin