16 Squadron SAAF
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.
| 16 Squadron | |
|---|---|
Aircrew of 16 Squadron SAAF and No. 227 Squadron RAF in front of Bristol Beaufighter near Biferno, Italy | |
| Active | 14 September 1939–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 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Col. M.P Ramoipone |
| Insignia | |
| 16 Sqn badge | |
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