JDF COMMISSIONS TWO NEW BELL 407 HELICOPTERS
Two new Bell 407 helicopters, tagged JDF H-30 and JDF H-31, have been added to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) fleet of aircraft. They were commissioned into service on 09 March 2007. The aircraft were the first delivery of four new helicopters that the JDF has purchased from Bell Helicopter Textron Incorporated, USA. The remaining two aircraft should be delivered in 2008.
Minister of National Security Dr The Hon Peter Phillips addresses the gathering at the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing Hanger. In the backdrop is one of the new Bell 407 helicopters.
JDF Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral H M Lewin, gave the welcoming remarks at the commissioning ceremony, while the Commanding Officer of the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing, Lieutenant Colonel G A Roper, gave an overview on the aircraft.
Jamaica Defence Force Chaplain, Captain (Rev) Denston Smalling, blesses the new helicopters.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of National Security, Dr the Honourable Peter Phillips, past Chiefs of Staff, Commanding Officers and members of the Diplomatic Corps. In his address, the Minister said that he hoped the added helicopters to the JDF’s fleet will help to strengthen the fight against illegal drug trafficking. He also said that the helicopters will help to carry out other duties that the JDF performs.
Viewing one of the new helicopter at the Commissioning Ceremony are the Minister of National Security, Dr the Hon Peter Phillips, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security , Mr Gilbert Scott, Commanding Officer the JDF Air Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Roper, and Captain Andrew Spence.
Mr Charles Marsh a representative from Bell Helicopter in his remarks said that the members of the JDF Air Wing were some of the most professional he had ever worked with in his 20 years with Bell Helicopter.
After the ceremony members of the Force got an opportunity to view the new helicopters. The Minister of National Security was given a short flight in one of the new helicopters. There was a general consensus among those present that the JDF had made a good decision in acquiring the helicopters.
By Corporal Joseph Lewis
Headquarters, Jamaica Defence Force (Civil Military Affairs) |
