The last Dutch Chinook flight for the ISAF mission has taken place yesterday. Dutch Chinook transport helicopters are operating in Afghanistan since April 2005.

3 Chinooks, from 298 Squadron at Gilze-Rijen Airbase, were stationed at Kandahar Airfield and were part of Air Task Force, a Dutch unit that provides air support for the mission in Afghanistan.

In total over ISAF in 3000 flight hours with Dutch Chinooks. Usually flew the aircraft with the typical twin rotor from mid May to mid September in Afghanistan, in other months Cougar transport helicopters from 300 Squadron performed the tasks.

Transportation Task

The “workhorse” among the Afghan helicopters transported both personnel and equipment. The Chinooks are used for more supply, medical evacuations and special operations. In the initial period, four helicopters of this type used in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and as of May 2007 as part of ISAF.

Soon, the transport helicopters themselves prepared for transport. A large transport aircraft brings them back to the Netherlands

[Electronic Translation from Dutch press release]