New Boss for Ysterplaat
Date: 11 December 2008
By Dean Wingrin
Air Force Base Ysterplaat was the venue for a ceremonial parade to welcome the incoming Officers Commanding (OC) of AFB Ysterplaat as well as 505 (Security) Squadron and bid farewell to the outgoing Officers. The change of office of the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) also took place.
At the Change of Command Parade held today, the current OC of AFB Ysterplaat, Colonel JCJ (Cobus) Butler, handed over command to Colonel WL (Billy) Cowan.
Butler was appointed as OC of AFB Ysterplaat in January 2004. Under his leadership the Base achieved various awards such as Base of the Year 2004, 2006, 2007, Prestige Unit of the Year 2006 & 2007 and various other trophies and accolades.
In a short speech, Lt. Gen. Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, acknowledged the tough year and challenges that the SAAF had faced in 2008. Gagiano thanked Ysterplaat for their contribution to the success of the recent Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2008 show. Gagiano then present Butler, on behalf of AFB Ysterplaat, with a Commendation Certificate in recognition of the meritorious service rendered by the members of the Base during AAD 2008.
In his address, Butler stated that one should "look at oneself and triumph over adversary". The Base had been brought back from almost closure in 2003.
"Ysterplaat has been raised from the ashes to be awarded numerous awards and trophies".
Butler closed off by saying "I would like to thank the Chief of the Airforce and the Command Council for the opportunity to command the Base for the past five years".
Cowan then accepted command of the Base from Butler. The same as Butler, Cowan is a Navigator and crewed Transalls, Canberra's and Buccaneers.
He previously held the post of SSO Electronic Warfare at the Directorate of Combat Systems at Air Force HQ from 2005 to 2008. Cowan will transfer to Ysterplaat as OC with effect from 1 January 2009.
The Parade also saw Lt Col Wilfred January take over command of 505 Squadron from Maj. Raymond du Plessis and the Change of Office of the Regimental Warrant Officer from WO1 Rodney January to WO1 Paulus Cambell.
