16 Squadron SAAF
| 16 Squadron | |
|---|---|
Denel Rooivalk MkI
|
|
| Active | 14 September 1939 to present |
| Country |
 South Africa
|
| Branch |
 South African Air Force
|
| Role | Attack Helicopter Squadron |
| Garrison/HQ | AFB Bloemspruit |
| Motto(s) | "Hlaselani" (Attack) |
| Equipment | Denel Rooivalk |
| Engagements | Madagascar 1942, East Africa 1941 and 1943, Egypt 1943-45, SWA/Angola 1979-89 |
| Insignia | |
| 16 Sqn badge |  |
16 Squadron SAAF is an attack helicopter squadron of the South African Air Force (SAAF). It was originally formed in World War II as a maritime patrol squadron, however, over the course of the war it was disbanded and reformed a number of times, operating a number of different types of aircraft. It was finally disbanded in June 1945 and was not re-raised until 1968 as a helicopter squadron. In the late 1980s the squadron took part in the conflict in Angola before being disbanded again in 1990. It was raised once more in 1999 and it is currently operating the Rooivalk attack helicopter.
The squadron was formed on 18 September 1939 as a Coastal Command squadron based at Walvis Bay (station), equipped with three ex-South African Airways Junkers Ju 86Z aircraft in the role of a maritime patrol squadron. However, it was short-lived, and by December of that year it had become B Flight of 32 Squadron.
The squadron was re-formed at Addis Ababa on 1 May 1941, flying eight Ju-86Z taken over from 12 Squadron plus two Martin Marylands. It was disbanded that August following the Italian surrender.
The third chapter of the squadron's World War II history began when 20 Squadron, equipped with Martin Maryland and Bristol Beaufort aircraft and taking part in the invasion of Madagascar, was renumbered. Following the successful invasion of Madagascar, the squadron moved to Kenya, where it was equipped with the Bristol Blenheim V for use in the maritime patrol role, thus returning to its original purpose.
In April 1943 the squadron moved to Egypt, and was equipped with Bristol Beaufighters for use in anti-submarine duties. It continued to perform this role until it was again disbanded on 15 June 1945.
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Wikipedia