No. 2 Squadron
|
Based at: |
PAF Masroor |
Raised: |
June 1, 1957 |
|
Tactical Role: |
Point Defence, CAP |
Affiliation |
32nd Wing - Southern Air Command |
|
Aircraft |
Chengdu F-7 (Chinese version of an advanced Mig-21) |
Past Aircraft |
T-33, B-57 |
|
Honors |
The only Nishan-i-Haider awarded to the PAF (Pilot Officer
Rashid Minhas) |
No 2 Composite Squadron was formed on 15 April 56, at PAF Base,
Mauripur, with T-33 aircraft. Initially the squadron was given
the name of 2 Squadron. Later, in April 75, it was renamed as
No 2 Fighter Conversion Unit (2 FCU). The present name, 2 Composite
Squadron was assigned to it in December 79. The initial role of
the unit was to impart jet conversion training to the freshly
graduated pilots from PAF Academy Risalpur and to carry out check
rides and instrument ratings for all jet pilots of the air force.
In May 72, No 20 Photo Reconnaissance Squadron was number-plated
and its 3 RT-33s and all its photographic equipment were transferred
to No. 2 Squadron to form a recce flight, thus expanding the role
of the unit.
In December 79, after the passing out of No 66 GD(P) and No
4 Supplementary courses, the role of the unit was changed to that
of a composite squadron assigned to perform a variety of tasks
including ground controlled interceptions for the training of
air defence controllers, and aerial targets towing for all three
services; these were in addition to the earlier tasks of instrument
ratings, checkouts and of photo recce. In August 82, when No 7
Squadron was temporarily number-plated, all its B-57 light bombers
were also transferred to No 2 Squadron, adding yet another role
of night interdiction and special missions to the unit's assignments.
No 2 Squadron has the unique honour of receiving the
only Nishan-i-Haider awarded to the PAF. Pilot Officer Rashid
Minhas laid down his life in a most extraordinary manner to defend
the honour of his country, when he foiled the attempt of his much
superior East Pakistani instructor to hijack his aircraft to India
during the East Pakistan crisis in 1971.