In a festive flyover, led by IAF Commander-in-chief, Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan, and the commander of Lod AFB, Brig. Gen. Daniel Fleischer, the IAF Heavy Transport Service departed August 25 for the last time from the runways of Ben Gurion Airport and landed at Nevatim AFB in the Negev. Over the next few weeks, soldiers of the Lod base will pack up and head south with their families.
"This is an historic day for the IAF," said Nehushtan before taking off with the aircrafts. "After more than thirty years, AFB 27 will cease to serve as the IAF's heavy transport base. Buses and trucks have already left the premises and flags have been folded. Today is the last departure of IAF's Transport Service from AFB 27. This is one of the most significant transitions the IAF will undergo in coming years."
The relocation of AFB 27 from Lod to Nevatim is a major part of the 'IDF Heads to the Negev' project, which involves the relocation of several IDF bases to the south of Israel and establishment of a new training center to replace current military training schools. Construction costs of the new 12,000 acre base, named AFB 28, were estimated at about NIS 1.62 billion. In the first phase, most flight squadrons and main support squadrons, including maintenance, aviation and administration, will be relocated to AFB 28. In the second phase, relocation of all flight squadrons will be completed; in the third and final phase, AFB 28 will become a regular facility.
"Despite the multifaceted nature of this move, the operational aspect is definitely in the lead. I believe that the relocation will provide the Transport Service with better operational and maintenance capabilities, closer proximity to training areas and greater flexibility in mobilization," said Nehushtan, adding that, "when relocating the Transport Service to a new base, it is impossible to leave behind its glorious heritage". "Over the years," he reflected, "many famous operations have originated from this base, including Operation Entebbe and dozens of humanitarian aid missions. Tens of thousands of people across the globe owe their lives to the Transport Service and the State of Israel."
This relocation also has a bearing on the human aspect: about 1,000 soldiers, NCOs and officers will be reassigned to the new base and joined by 150 families of career officers. "This is a nationally-important move that will boost the Negev with thousands of people. The IAF is proud to lead this move," said Nehushtan.
Flags have been folded
Monday's events opened with flag-folding ceremonies throughout the squadrons. All pilots, young and old, bid farewell to the base. But for the "Elephant" squadron, this day was not only about the relocation to Nevatim - they were also saying goodbye to their longtime commander. "In the past 34 years, we have departed from and returned to AFB 27. Thousands of missions were launched from this base at all times of day and in all kinds of weather," said squadron commander Col. Lihu HaCohen. "Our squadron, which is based on core values of camaraderie and professionalism, is taking off to Nevatim to build a new home there. Thank you AFB 27 and thank you Elephants, Nevatim here we come!"
Captain Tomer Shapira, who was in charge of the flyover, described the event as "astounding" in terms of its impact on the IAF and the general population. "First and foremost, it is a realization of the vision of a blooming Negev. It will also give us an operational advantage, as we will not have to rely anymore on volatile civilian infrastructure. This base is right up there with top air force bases worldwide."
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Operation Yonatanby simplicit183,719 views
:) יפה
MichaelGindi 3 years ago 4