Godfrey Roper (right), commanding officer at the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing, Up Park Camp, in St. Andrew, explains the functions of one of the two new Bell 407 light-utility helicopters to Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips (centre), and Gilbert Scott, Permanent Secretary in the National Security Ministry, yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

Just 48 hours before the official opening of the ICC Cricket World Cup,preparations continued with the commissioning of two helicopters to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Air Wing yesterday.

The new Bell 407 helicopters, which the JDF Air Wing commissioned into service, will be used to assist the force in its operational tasks for Cricket World Cup 2007.

National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips, who was present at Up Park Camp, St. Andrew, for yesterday's ceremony, said the Bell 407 is an internationally renowned helicopter.

"The Bell 407 light utility helicopter is a reliable, proven and superior aircraft that is ideally suited to the operational requirements of the JDF Air Wing," said Minister Phillips.

At the same time, one of the JDF Air Wing helicopters departed for the Eastern Caribbean, where it will be assisting with Cricket World Cup security.

The helicopters were purchased from Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., in the United States. They are also the first two of four helicopters acquired for the JDF Air Wing at a cost of US$14.1 million (J$944 million). The other two helicopters will be granted to the army in 2008.

More capability

Dr. Phillips said the JDF Air Wing helicopter fleet adds to the capability of the nation's fight against drug trafficking and protection of its maritime space.

Last year, the JDF Air Wing flew 176 casualty evacuation missions, airlifting patients with life-threatening injuries from the Pedro Cays and rural hospitals across the island into Kingston. In total, the JDF Air Wing flew a total of 1,569.5 hours, an average of 4.3 hours of flying every day.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com