C-130 Hercules News

December 4, 2017 (by Asif Shamim) - The oldest squadron of the Pakistan Air Force, No 6 Squadron, celebrated its 75th anniversary at the PAF Base Nur Khan on Sunday.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman was the chief guest at the occasion. War veterans, former air chiefs and a large number of retired and serving officers also attended the ceremony. A well-shot documentary, depicting the history of this squadron was also shown in the ceremony.

The air chief also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp which had been issued by the Pakistan Post to pay tribute to the services rendered by No 6 Squadron during the past 75 years.

Addressing the audience, the air chief said that PAF had remained at the forefront in the war on terror and had gained invaluable lessons during the decade long war. In this context, the squadron had played a decisive role in Zarb-e-Azb operation, he added.

He further said that, “Combat crew of No 6 Squadron operated with professional excellence in those areas where miscreants were hiding, and provided the assistance to frontline fighter aircrafts. This has enabled the PAF to achieve landmark success against terrorists without any collateral damage.”

PAF’s No 6 Squadron was established in 1942 at Trichinopoly as a Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on Hawker Hurricane MK-II aircraft. The squadron used Spitfire aircraft, Dakota aircraft and Bristol Freighter aircraft. Recently this squadron was using C-130 Hercules and Casa CN-235.

During the 1965 war, this squadron was upgraded to a bomber squadron and then Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nur Khan himself led the mission to bombard targets in enemy territory. In addition, this squadron had the unique honour of participating in World War II.