Action Packed Final Day For Pacific Airlift Rally 2017
12:34pm on Saturday 16th September 2017
The final day of the Pacific Airlift Rally 2017 (PAR 2017) commenced on 15th September 2017 with the Command Post Exercise (CPX) and Flying Training Exercise (FTX) at Aeronautical Engineering Wing (AEW) at SLAF Base Katunayake. The participants of the CPX took off onboard a USAF C-130J outbound for SLAF Station Ampara to witness aerial cargo delivery carried out by the USAF troops partaking in the FTX. Upon return back to SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Commodore Ranjith Senanayake, the overall coordinator for PAR 2017, addressed the gathering expressing heartiest gratitude of SLAF for a successful FTX. On behalf of the USAF, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Suckow highly appreciated the hospitality of SLAF and apprised all that it was an honour and a privilege to join hands with SLAF to host the PAR 2017. Concluding the morning session, mementoes were exchanged between the SLAF and the USAF to mark this historical event.
Concomitantly, the Civil Engineering SMEE ended at Jetwing Blue, Negombo with the SLAF participants receiving certificates of participation recognizing their contribution to its success. Further, the Medical SMEE had its last session at Base Hospital of SLAF Base Katunayake with the Mass Casualty (MASCAL) event. Thereafter, the contingent moved back to Jetwing Blue Hotel where the final address and certificate awarding ceremony for the Medical SMEE took place with the participation of Director Health Services of the SLAF, Air Commodore (Dr) Lalith Jayaweera.
After lunch the stage was set at Jetwing Blue Hotel for the Closing Ceremony of the PAR 2017. Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander of the Pacific Air Forces, Major General James Eifert and the Director Logistics of SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya graced the event as the guests of honour. The ceremony commenced with all the participants being awarded certificates in recognition of their invaluable commitment to the PAR 2017 by Major General James Eifert and Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya. Addressing the closing ceremony, Major General Eifert expressed his gratitude to the SLAF for successfully organizing the PAR 2017 which was a great success.
Concomitantly, the Civil Engineering SMEE ended at Jetwing Blue, Negombo with the SLAF participants receiving certificates of participation recognizing their contribution to its success. Further, the Medical SMEE had its last session at Base Hospital of SLAF Base Katunayake with the Mass Casualty (MASCAL) event. Thereafter, the contingent moved back to Jetwing Blue Hotel where the final address and certificate awarding ceremony for the Medical SMEE took place with the participation of Director Health Services of the SLAF, Air Commodore (Dr) Lalith Jayaweera.
After lunch the stage was set at Jetwing Blue Hotel for the Closing Ceremony of the PAR 2017. Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander of the Pacific Air Forces, Major General James Eifert and the Director Logistics of SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya graced the event as the guests of honour. The ceremony commenced with all the participants being awarded certificates in recognition of their invaluable commitment to the PAR 2017 by Major General James Eifert and Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya. Addressing the closing ceremony, Major General Eifert expressed his gratitude to the SLAF for successfully organizing the PAR 2017 which was a great success.
