Air Force must always be ready - Boateng

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - Air Vice-Marshal J.O. Boateng, Chief of Air Staff, on Wednesday said the Air Force should constantly be reminded that its successful operations depended on integrity, service before self and excellence in things it did.

He said the Force must thus be 'innovative and proactive 85 to adapt and respond to a wide spectrum of security challenges'.

Addressing the 2006 Administrative Inspection Parade at the Air Force Base in Accra, Air Vice-Marshal Boateng said although the outfit was facing some constraints the Government was aware of the situation and was taking steps to remedy them.

The Administrative Inspection was to evaluate the state of operational readiness and the basic building blocks to perform its assigned tasks and to play its roles in peace and wartime scenarios. He said the Government would be taking delivery of 4 x K-8 fighter Ground Attack aircraft, a simulator together with the supporting equipment to replace the ageing 326k aircraft.

'Government has allocated funds to refurbish our F-27s even as we continue the search for suitable replacements for our transport fleet employed in various roles'.

He said that the ultimate worth of the Air Force to society was its ability to perform its functions, notwithstanding the numerous constraints, adding 'our compatriots will never forgive us if we are not able to deliver'.

Air Vice-Marshal Boateng commended the commitment and dedication with which the Base had performed its duty throughout the year.

'I want to place on record the significant role your Base played in ensuring the deployment of the Aviation Unit to La Cote d'Ivoire and the numerous duties and task you performed', he said.