PROUD TO SERVE FOR PEACE
A COMMITMENT FOR BANGLADESH AIR WARRIORS
Wing Commander Munim KHAN MAJLISH, psc
(BANAIR Newsletter II, MONUSCO, March 2016)

It was in the early morning on 12 January 2016 at the office of the Commander of Bangladesh Airfield Services Unit (BAN ASU). MONUSCO Security-in-charge Mr Dan Cucu suddenly arrived with a big smiling face and expressed his esteem felicitation for supporting the local communities of Bunia on the previous day. He had proudly mentioned that on-going strained relationship between Congolese and MONUSCO had largely been repaired by the valiant commitment of BAN ASU firefighting team in the city area. MONUSCO higher management had been seriously concerned recently regarding growing dissatisfaction and agitation of general population against MONUSCO for failing to eliminate unrest and to bring peace and stability prerequisite for expected development process in DR Congo. People of this country are still suffering severely despite having enormous deposition of minerals and numerous precious natural resources. MONUSCO had been brain storming for finding possible solution for winning hearts and minds of local population through various socio-cultural events. But, people of Bunia never hesitated to express extreme satisfaction to BAN ASU firefighters for successfully supporting them whole heartedly in urgent requirement.

On 11 January 2016 afternoon a domestic fire broke out at a restaurant and bakery shop beside Main Boulevard of Bunia City. The scene of the fire incident was within the densely populated civilian inhabitants. Many customers were present at the restaurant during the incident whose lives were at stake. Upon received the news all the fire vehicles of BAN ASU immediately rushed to the spot and took measures for extinguishing fire and safeguarding valuable lives and properties engaging two fire trucks. It became very difficult to control the mob and at the same time take appropriate measures to contain outspread of huge fire. The Fire Marshall had shown exemplary leadership to control the whole scenario in coordination with other concerned MONUSCO agencies and local communities. Due to prompt action and exhibition of the highest professionalism human and valuable properties could be saved. The whole hearted effort of BAN ASU was highly appreciated by all concerned including high officials of MONUSCO and as well as the political leadership of DR Congo. Such humanitarian effort for ensuring peace had enhanced relationship between local population and MONUSCO immensely.

When the gallantry performance of fire services of BAN ASU had been a talk of the town operational personnel of BAN ASU had exhibited outstanding professionalism by conducting a successful rescue operation for recovering the Unmanned Air Vehicle System (UAS) called “FALCO” (UN-899, UAS) on 13 February 2016. It was airborne at 0828 LT for R220/30 NM from Bunia using Runway 28. At 0837 LT the control station of the UAS reported that it had got engine failure and had crash landed at 2 NM S/W of Bunia Airport (001`32’51”N, 030`11’59” E). The Duty Air Traffic Controller (DATCO) immediately took appropriate emergency action and managed the emergency situation very efficiently and in the most professional manner. She had intimated all concerned agencies for initiating rescue operation for recovering the disabled UAS. BAN ASU Commander immediately took position at the Office Chief Air Ops, Air Region-4 (Mr Haward Miti) and coordinated rescue operation in consultation with Chief Air Ops, OIC CTU, OIC ATU and Aviation Security Officer. SATCO also quickly positioned himself at the ATC Tower to supervise the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation in the most professional manner. SAR helicopter UNO-871 (MI- 17) got airborne by at 0908 LT and landed at the crash site at 0912 LT carrying concerned security and maintenance personnel. The SAR P-I-C had noticed that parts of the disabled UAS had been taken away by local population. The UAS actually crashed at an empty cultivable land in the adjacent hill of the airport and all the equipment were found scattered all over the places. The Aviation Security Officer took control of the site with the help of other UN security agencies and had successfully rescued the disabled UAS from the possession of local communities.
Interestingly the villagers claimed that few people were physically injured thus needed immediate medical support. The valuable crops were damaged due to huge impact of the fire. They demanded compensation for the victims from MONUSCO. The Aviation Security Officer efficiently handled this situation and offered villagers all possible support from MONUSCO when they would seek to obtain.

The MONUSCO had employed UAS for surveillance and reconnaissance of the operational areas and for conducting peace operation based on real time data. The elegant looking unmanned aerial vehicle are mainly operated in the afternoon till late night. Commanders use to take an endeavor to exploit the real data from UAS for mobilizing forces according to the ground situation. Such aerial arrangement had tremendously reduced the difficulties of ground reconnaissance and enabled commanders to remain updated with the latest situation (both enemy disposition and own deployment) in the operational areas.

On 12 February 2016, UNO 895 (FALCO) was airborne from Bunia Airport at 1157 LT for test flight. After practicing one stop and go, the UAS reported that it was making an emergency landing by deploying parachute due to engine flame out at 1225 LT. The Duty Air Traffic Controller (DATCO) took emergency action immediately. At 1228LT the FALCO Control Station informed that UAS had landed at a field on radial 105/4 NM from Bunia Airport. The DATCO confirmed the location of the crash site from the FALCO Operation Room and intimated concerned personnel accordingly. SATCO quickly positioned himself at the ATC Tower to supervise SAR operation. The search and rescue helicopter (UNO 870, MI-17) took off at 1310 LT with Aviation Security Officer on board. At 1322LT the SAR P-I-C had identified the crashed UAS and reported that it fell at the side of hill slope on radial 105/ 4.2NM from Bunia Airport. The brave pilot of the helicopter landed near the crash site along with technical personnel of UAS despite prevailing challenges of the hilly topography. The wreckage of the UAS was brought back safely by road.

UN is facing terrific difficulties of image crisis due to inability to bring peace and stability in the country. MONUSCO is also facing probable reduction of its strength due to budget constraint. The Force Commander reiterated that all forces are going to suffer in near future except Ban ASU. The professional approach of Air Traffic Control, Flight Following, Aero-meteorology, Ramp Control, Emergency Crash and Rescue, and Movement Control had drawn attention of mass population. The trust and expectation that has been created due to exhibiting the esteem professional had been once again lauded by everyone in Bunia. The Head of Office of MONUSCO or the Governor designated of Ituri Province cheerfully declare their confidence on BAN ASU for relentless services and dedication. People of Bangladesh are not only enforcing peace in the region by efficiently containing rebels but also contributing resources for safeguarding civilian communities in DR Congo. The valiant air warriors of Bangladesh are truly contended and proud to serve for peace by winning hearts and minds of Congolese citizen.