South Arabian Air Force

Details of South Arabian Air Force (SAAF) at Khormaksar

Precise details of the build up of the South Arabian Air Force at Khormaksar are not yet (May 1967) available but the task, stated in broad terms, is as follows:

Aircraft Build Up

Jet Provost

Dakota

Beaver

Sioux

SAAF Jet Provost Mk.52, 101, being assembled at Khormaksar in late 1967 (author's collection)

Two SAAF Jet Provosts, 102 and 101, in the 131 MU hangar at Khormaksar, late 1967 (author's collection)

Awaiting the fitment of its wings, SAAF Jet Provost, 102, at Khormaksar in late 1967 (author's collection)

SAAF Beaver, 301, on the apron at Khormaksar in late 1967 (Richard Grevatte-Ball)

Personnel Build Up

The total force of 149 (including 33 local nationals) will not be achieved until the additional four strike aircraft arrive in 1968. In 1967 the force will be a total of 133; this will be achieved by a build up in phase with aircraft deliveries, the aircrew arriving a month before the aircraft and the ground crew about ten days before.

Accommodation Requirement

In the long term the requirements to the SAAF are to be satisfied as follows s

Engineering Accommodation

  • The existing MRT Wing and dispersals including part of No. 131 MU.

Domestic Accommodation

  • Merryfield house as Staff Mess and single accommodation for pilots said technicians.

  • Thirty OMQs (white houses) as married accommodation for pilots and senior staff.

  • Forty-eight OMQs (Dhobi Line flats) as married accommodation for technicians.

The majority of this accommodation will not be available until after Independence and interim arrangements will be made in consultation with RAF Khormaksar.

Personnel of Federal Forces accommodated at RAF Khormaksar will make their own catering and messing arrangements.

Back