NO. 3 MARITIME SQUADRON, SLAF ACADEMY CHINA BAY MARKS 5 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE NATION AND CHANGE OF COMMAND
2:06pm on Friday 12th January 2024
The Change of Command at No. 3 Maritime Squadron, SLAF Academy China Bay took place yesterday (11 January 2024), with the participation of all squadron members. The outgoing Commanding Officer, Group Captain RMCJK Ratnayake RSP, USP, MSc (Mgt), MSc (Mil Stu), Pg Dip (Def Mgt), psc, qfi, handed over the command to Group Captain DGNB Senevirathne RWP, RSP and Bar, USP, psc, qfi. The outgoing Commanding Officer presented a valuable package of books and a memento to commemorate the event.
The new Commanding Officer, Group Captain DGNB Senevirathne, previously held the appointment of Acting Director Air Intelligence before taking the command of No. 3 Maritime Squadron, SLAF Academy China Bay.
On the same day, No. 3 Maritime Squadron proudly celebrated its 5th anniversary since its reinstatement at SLAF Academy China Bay, marking its 27th year of operational service to the nation.
Currently equipped with Beech King Air B-200 aircraft and Dornier 228 aircraft, No. 3 Maritime Squadron undertakes maritime/land air surveillance and reconnaissance missions, Search and Rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Maritime Pollution Monitoring and Control Flying Operations, and other flying requirements assigned by the AFHQ to safeguard the sovereignty of the motherland, aligning with the SLAF vision.
As part of the 5th-anniversary celebrations, the squadron conducted a tree-planting programme on academy grounds as a social responsibility initiative aimed at restoring the ecosystem. Additionally, a series of community service projects were carried out, including a blood donation programme at General Hospital Trincomalee and a project to renovate damaged desks and chairs at Sri Rahula Daham Pasala in Siddaththarama Viharaya, Trincomalee. The Squadron also organized a Pirith chantingl programme on its premises, presided over by the venerable Maha Sangha from Sri Bodhirajarama Temple at China Bay, invoking blessings for the Squadron and its serving personnel, including their families.
The new Commanding Officer, Group Captain DGNB Senevirathne, previously held the appointment of Acting Director Air Intelligence before taking the command of No. 3 Maritime Squadron, SLAF Academy China Bay.
On the same day, No. 3 Maritime Squadron proudly celebrated its 5th anniversary since its reinstatement at SLAF Academy China Bay, marking its 27th year of operational service to the nation.
Currently equipped with Beech King Air B-200 aircraft and Dornier 228 aircraft, No. 3 Maritime Squadron undertakes maritime/land air surveillance and reconnaissance missions, Search and Rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Maritime Pollution Monitoring and Control Flying Operations, and other flying requirements assigned by the AFHQ to safeguard the sovereignty of the motherland, aligning with the SLAF vision.
As part of the 5th-anniversary celebrations, the squadron conducted a tree-planting programme on academy grounds as a social responsibility initiative aimed at restoring the ecosystem. Additionally, a series of community service projects were carried out, including a blood donation programme at General Hospital Trincomalee and a project to renovate damaged desks and chairs at Sri Rahula Daham Pasala in Siddaththarama Viharaya, Trincomalee. The Squadron also organized a Pirith chantingl programme on its premises, presided over by the venerable Maha Sangha from Sri Bodhirajarama Temple at China Bay, invoking blessings for the Squadron and its serving personnel, including their families.
