The squadron:
The 298 Squadron is part of the Tactische Helikopter Groep (Tactical Helicopter Group). The Squadron flies with 11 Chinook helicopters out of 13 originally delivered.
The RNLAF currently has 6 CH-47F Chinooks on order. Two to replace the D-104 and D-105 4 additional ones. Probably these will be suited for Special Operations to support operations like currently Afghanistan.
The main task is to support the Luchtmobiele Brigade (Air Mobile Brigade), this consist of:
- Transport of troops and material or wounded
- Support of "special forces"
- Tactical operations
- Combat support
- Combat search and rescue
- Fire fighting
The Squadron also supports international humanitarian operations. This can, for example, be on request of the United Nations or NATO.
During 2005 the unit had 3 Chinooks (out of 4 originally) deployed in Afghanistan in support of the Dutch Special Forces that assist the U.S. on hunting down Taliban warriors.
During this operation 2 aircraft where lost in non combat incidents:
- D-105 was lost on the 27th of July and replaced by the D-104 witch flew on itself to Afghanistan.
- D-104 crash landed 40km North-East of Bagram on October 31st.
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