JDF AIR WING (NATIONAL RESERVE)

The Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing – (National Reserve) flies in support of the ‘regular’ Air Wing. This unit boasts the distinction of being the first operational flying entity of the Jamaica Defence Force. It was, at that time, officially referred to as the ‘Jamaica Air Squadron.’

History

Born in 1963, the unit enlisted the services of several members of the Jamaica Flying Club who owned or had access to light aircraft. Before the regular Air Wing was realised, it was the Jamaica Air Squadron which took receipt of and operated the four Cessna 185s donated to the JDF by the United States Government. When the regular Air Wing became fully operational the Cessnas were gradually withdrawn and so the reserves again resorted to the old status quo of flying privately owned aircraft which, essentially, obtains to the present time. Today’s Air Wing (NR) consist of former officers of the regular Air Wing as well as pilots who hold private flying licences. The unit presently consists of seven fixed wing pilots, seven rotary wing pilots and a non-commissioned officer who sees to the administrative needs of the unit.

Roles

In time of need, the Air Wing (NR) renders invaluable service. During elections and other national activities requiring enhanced security measures, the Air Wing (NR) is deployed to provide operational support to the regulars. During the 1983 Grenada conflict for example, the Air Wing (NR) flew sorties between Jamaica, Grenada, and Puerto Rico. The Air Wing (NR) participates in the recurrent training of members of the regular Air Wing. In so doing, the knowledge and experience gained from years of flying is passed from one generation of pilots to another. The JDF Air Wing (NR) has a proud record of service and camaraderie between itself and the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing.