75th ANNIVERSARY OF NO. 6 AIR TRANSPORT SUPPORT SQUADRON PAKISTAN AIR FORCE. DECEMBER 01, 2017 (2017-10)

1. Air transport is like an artery that supplies blood to the vital organs, only these enable global reach and universal power projection. Air transport operations are defined as those which involve the movement by air of personnel and cargo within and between theatres of operation, conducted in support of all types of sea, land and air forces. Air transport is the fastest means of moving men and material to areas where the surface lines of communication either do not exist or are poorly developed.

2. No 6 Squadron is one of the oldest squadrons of Pakistan Air Force, being one of the nine IAF squadrons raised before or during World War II. Of those pioneering nine, it is probably the one that has the most varied history and has assumed the widest range of roles. The squadron has never failed to meet the demands of PAF and the country. Apart from normal air transport support role, the squadron has conducted numerous varied unconventional and even unrealistic tasks.

3. No 6 Squadron was raised at Trinchinopoly on 1st December, 1942 as a Tactical Reconnaissance squadron on Hurricanes. No 6 Squadron has the honour to participate in the World War II in which squadron was awarded with one Distinguished Service Order (DSO), one Most Excellent Order of The British Empire (MBE) and two Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in recognition of its outstanding performance during the war.

4. After partition, No 6 Squadron became the part of Royal Pakistan Air Force. On 4th November 1948, Flying Officer M A Doggar saved his Dakota from two hostile Indian Tempests during Kashmir ordeal in 1948 and became the 1st recipient of Sitara-i-Jurat. During wars of 1965 and 1971, No 6 Squadron participated with full zeal and zest. Some of the unconventional and daring tasks include bombings and landings in hostile areas.

5. On 29th April, 1972, in recognition of its outstanding performance in Kashmir operation in 1948, Kashmir operation 1965, efforts during 1965 war and in 1971 war, the squadron was presented with the first Squadron Colour of PAF.

6. Few of the aircraft flown by the squadron starting from its origination are:-

9. Whenever required and called upon by the brotherly countries, PAF in general and No 6 Squadron in particular responded promptly to undertake operations. The operations worth mentioning are the relief operations conducted by the squadron in different countries like Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Central Asian States, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon, Maldives, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Syria. During the October, 2005 earthquake, which shook the northern areas of Pakistan, the squadron flew day and night to help the country men in need against extreme odds. Similarly, in 2007 flood relief operations to Bangladesh, the squadron flew extensively to provide food and medical supplies to the Muslim brethren in need. In 2010 and 2011, the squadron remained fully involved in flood relief operations in Pakistan.

10. In 2006, the squadron participated in Royal International Air Tattoo Competition held in Fairford UK for the first time. The squadron won Concours D' Elegance Trophy for the best overall performance, Spirit of the Meet Trophy for the best performance in ground competition and Best Livery Trophy for the best painted aircraft for the theme 'Rapid Global Effect'. In 2016, the squadron participated in Royal International Air Tattoo Competition again and won Concours D' Elegance Trophy.

11. In order to counter the insurgency and prevailing situation of terrorism, No 6 Squadron has actively participated in Operation Rahe-e-Rast, Khyber I,II,III and IV operations, Operation Zarb-e-Azab and Operation Radd-ul-Fasad. The untiring efforts of squadron, in support of Law enforcement agencies, have been appreciated nationwide.

Battle Honours

12. No 6 Squadron is the most decorated squadron of Pakistan Air Force. Following are the details of the medals and decorations of No 6 Squadron.

(A) World War II

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)                                      01

Most Excellent Order of The British Empire (MBE)            01

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)                                       02

(b) Kashmir War 1948

(1) Sitara-i-Jurat (SJ)                                       01

(c) Indo Pak War of 1965

(i) Sitara-i-Jurat (SJ)                                       07

(ii) Tamgha-i-Jurat (TJ)                                  02

(iii) Tamgha-e-Basalat (T                              02

(d) Indo Pak War of 1971

(i) Sitara-i-Jurat (SJ)                                       03

(ii) Sitara-e-Basalat (SBt)                               02

(iii) Tamgha-e-Basalat (TB                            01

13. In 2017, No 6 Squadron has completed 75 years since its origination in 1942. The squadron's 75th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp depicts the squadron insignia, the aircraft that remained on squadron's inventory and the medals, squadron has achieved in different wars.

On 75th Anniversary of No.6 Air Transport Support Squadron, Pakistan Air Force, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 10/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 01, 2017.