15 squadron

Motto: Aquila Petit Ardua(The Eagle Seeks the Heights)

During the sixties new types of helicopters were also introduced to the South African Air Force, including the Alouette II and III light helicopters, the SA 330C Puma and SA 321L Super Frelon medium transport helicopter as well as the Westland Wasp light anti-submarine helicopter. The Oryx helicopter is a medium lift helicopter that is normally employed in trooping, sea and land rescues, external load lifting and specialist night operation roles. 15 Squadron has distinguished itself in the field of civilian aid rendering and has in the past repeatedly placed the South African Air Force on the front covers in this regard. These operations include the assistance rendered during Cyclone Demonia in 1984, the Oceanos sea rescues in 1991, the snow rescues in Lesotho in 1996, as well as the Mozambique floods rescues in 1997. This unit also became notorious during the Angolan Bush War as a competent casevac force. In the late eighties, Atlas in South Africa started to develop the TP-1 Oryx helicopter and in January 1989 a Flight, namely E Flight, was equipped at Air Force Base Swartkop. In January 1991 this flight was transferred to Air Force Base Louis Trichardt, with Alouette III helicopters added to its inventory. In January 1992 the whole of 19 Squadron was transferred to Air Force Base Louis Trichardt.