Force flies off with award for flood relief

The SA Air Force (SAAF) was granted the American Helicopter Society (AHS) Kossler Award for its rescue operation in the flood-ravaged Mozambique last year, SAAF Chief Lieutenant General Roelf Beukes announced on Friday.

"This is considered one of the world's prestigious awards in the field of aviation," said Beukes.

Heavy rains early last year destroyed infrastructure in Mozambique and left many people homeless. The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) joined other nations who flew into Mozambique to rescue people and help deliver emergency food.

He said Rhett Flater, chairperson of the Kossler Award of the AHS, notified the SAAF last month that it had scooped the award.

Representatives of the SAAF helicopter aircrew would attend the award ceremony in the United States.

The Captain William J Kossler award was established in 1951 and given for excellence in the field of aviation. It honours the memory of the United States Coast Guard airman, aeronuatical engineer and early advocate of helicopters in search and rescue operations. - Sapa

Published on the Web by IOL on 2001-03-02 13:03:01

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