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“We make
things happen” is the slogan of the men and woman at 2 Air
Servicing Unit (ASU) Detached, based at Air Force Base
Ysterplaat near Cape Town. Our slogan is achieved daily as
we, through our range of highly-skilled abilities, excel in
performing our core function of maintaining and repairing
aircraft, and their related support systems. Our commitment
to support operations is a dependable reality in the South
African Air Force (SAAF) logistical and technical
environment.
The management process at 2 ASU is based on teamwork,
leadership and a structured approach. It is also recognised
that efficient communication is essential for optimum
functioning of the Unit. So, colleagues at lower functional
levels are actively involved in the decision making process
through various operational support meetings and committees,
such as Finance, Sport, Social and Welfare. Lieutenant
Colonel Daniël Sutherland, the Officer in Charge of the
Unit, ensures that all meetings and forums are focussed and
yield positive contributions to the 2 ASU value chain.
Efficient communication is further ensured as all members
have access to a computerised information system which
provides “finger on the pulse” real-time information on all
aspects of the Unit, including anything from budget
expenditure to personnel birthdays.
“What makes 2 ASU such a unique place is the team effort we
have here”, says Lt Col Sutherland. The 16 logistical
sections, as well as their sub-sections (see history),
function as an interdependent integrated system, driven by
process management based on the latest business models. This
team regularly works overtime to meet deadlines and although
the workload may seem daunting, there is always a tangible
sense of humour amongst these colleagues. The main
characteristic of this team is positive competitiveness with
excellence as the aim. Cooperation, commitment, creativity
and to have fun is positively promoted throughout the unit.
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Business Focus
Our Core Business is
Aircraft Mechanical Support.
Technical Support.
Engineering Support.
Avionic Support.
Reconnaissance Function.
Our Unique Capabilities are
Aircraft Recovery (Only facility in Western Cape).
Metrology (Mass and Dimensional); calibration of measuring tools and
equipment.
Electroplating of aircraft components.
Corrosion Training and Research on aviation materials.
Non Destructive Testing.
Aircraft Painting; complete repainting of aircraft and components.
Refurbishment of fabric-covered aircraft control surfaces.
Market Segment
The 2 ASU Detached strategic objectives have been adjusted
to accommodate additional responsibilities associated with
its unique capabilities:
To be a Service Provider for the C47-TP (on aircraft and off
aircraft)
To be a Service Provider for 35 Squadron
To be a Service Provider for the Maritime Equipment
To provide Engineering support to 22 Squadron
To provide Engineering/Base Support to AFB Ysterplaat
To provide Support to AFB Langebaanweg/ASTRA
To provide Support to TFDC
To provide Support to the SAAF Museum.
To provide Support to other interest groups.
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Vision and Values
VISION
To Strive for Aircraft Maintenance Capabilities that Conform to
World Class Standards.
MISSION
To Maintain Military Aircraft Systems in the Cape Region Through
Enhanced Integrated Logistic Support.
MOTTO
“SUSTINEMUS” – “We Support”
SLOGAN
“We make things happen”
VALUES
“I HELP”
INTEGRITY
Unquestionable integrity and a stable character are people qualities
that we hold in high esteem.
HUMAN DIGNITY
We value our members and treat them with respect, tolerance,
fairness and dignity.
ENVIRONMENT
We strive to ensure a sustainable environment.
LOYALTY
We pledge to take ownership and accountability of our Air Servicing
Unit.
PROFESSIONALISM
We ensure maritime aviation excellence in a disciplined and
professional manner.
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Unit Emblem
The design
consists of a standard heraldic shield as background which is common
to all servicing units on which is placed a parallel pair of fish
eagle wings - symbol for Air Force Operations. The central symbol
represents the old chemical symbol for iron and is derived from the
area – Ysterplaat. On top of this symbol is an extended arrowhead, a
direction indication – always at the sharp end. Additional gear
teeth to the central element is the heraldic symbol for
technical/logistic.
At the bottom of the shield is a scroll with 2 Air Servicing Unit’s
motto in Latin “SUSTINEMUS” which means “Support”
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History
On 10 October
1962, 2 Aircraft Servicing Unit was established as a lodger unit of
Air Force Base Ysterplaat. This unit was responsible for aircraft
servicing as well as component maintenance and had a limited
manufacturing ability. These manufacturing capabilities were
extended and it was soon able to render services to many other units
inside the SA Air Force. In 1984, a decision was made to disband 2
Aircraft Servicing Unit and to establish a depot. On 1 November
1984, this decision resulted in the establishment of 2 Air Depot (2
AD) and Col S.J. Klopper was appointed as the first Officer
Commanding.
Traditionally maintenance depots are either electronically or
mechanically focused. 2 Air Depot was unique in that it was able to
deliver both these functions. On 1 April 1986 2 Air Depot became
self-accounting and resorted under the functional command of Air
Logistics Command (ALC). With the rationalisation of the SA Air
Force in 1990, all the logistical functions in the Cape Area were
brought under the auspice of 2 Air Depot. The amalgamation actions
were completed in March 1992, when 11 Air Depot (Main Stores Depot)
was amalgamated with 2 Air Depot at Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
In the same year authority was granted to 2 Air Depot to act as
System Support Supplier (SSS) for the updated C47-TP aircraft. This
again made this depot unique, because 2 Air Depot was the only unit
other than Air Logistics Command to act as SSS.
2 Air Depot also had to stay abreast with the ever-changing
circumstances in the SA Air Force and the external environment. With
the new logistical approach to decentralise all logistical support
to the operational sharp point (“where the tyre meets the tar”), 2
Air Depot made use of the opportunity to accept total responsibility
for the C47-TP Aircraft System. This implied that 2 Air Depot had to
supply integrated logistical support to the whole C47-TP fleet.
Since 1992, the System Manager C47-TP has been situated at 2 Air
Depot. In 1994, the decision was made that the System Manager
Pilatus ASTRA PC-7 would also be situated at 2 Air Depot.
During the early nineties, the depot was intensely involved in the
upgrading of the outdated C47-TP aircraft in that the upgrading
processes was carried out at the depot. Once again in 1995 and 1996
the depot proved its outstanding skills by assembling the Pilatus
ASTRA PC-7 aircraft on the depot. The assembling line rolled out the
last aircraft on 10 December 1996 for commissioning into the SA Air
Force.
During the nineties 2 Air Depot played an integral roll in the
logistical support of the aircraft systems in its geographical area,
as well as the manufacturing of components/ground equipment for
other systems in the SA Air Force. The depot has at its disposal
special and unique logistical capabilities, which are primarily
directed at supporting aviation in general.
2 Air Depot was divided in the following functional sections:
System Management
Manufacturing
Servicing and Maintenance
Commodities and Services
Design and Development
Engineering Services
Finance
Inspection
Training
On 1 April 1999 2 Air Depot was renamed to 2 Air Servicing Unit. 2
Air Servicing Unit was established to stay abreast with the changes
in the SA Air Force and to ensure that all SAAF unique businesses
stay in the Air Force.
Col V. Cloete assumed Command of 2 Air Servicing Unit in February
2001.
At an Air Force Board meeting it was decided that 2 ASU would
amalgamate with 8 ASU to form 2 ASU at AFB Langebaanweg with a
detached 2 ASU at AFB Ysterplaat. Col V. Cloete retired on 30
November 2002. Lt Col A.P. Viljoen took over the 2 ASU detached at
AFB Ysterplaat as Officer in Charge and occupied the post up to
December 2005. In January 2006 Lt Col D. Sutherland was appointed as
Officer in Charge of the unit.
Since the amalgamation the following command and control guidelines
are applicable:
2 ASU Detached is administratively under the control of the Officer
Commanding AFB Ysterplaat.
To date 2 ASU Detached is still a lodger unit of AFB Ysterplaat and
it is responsible for aircraft servicing, mechanical and avion
component maintenance with a limited manufacturing ability.
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