The Netherlands’ last of three Boeing CH-47D Chinook transport helicopters deployed in support of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) will return to Europe in mid-April, with the German army having assumed the role using NH Industries NH90s.
On 23 March, the second Dutch Chinook was returned to Gilze Rijen air base aboard a Boeing C-17 strategic transport of the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability unit. The remaining example will arrive at Woensdrecht air base in mid-April to undergo scheduled maintenance.
The Dutch military says its Defence Helicopter Command’s Chinooks accumulated 2,550 flying hours in support of the MINUSMA mission, performing transport duties and medical evacuation services. The nation’s personnel completed 12 detachments in Mali over a period of two-and-a-half years.
Source: FlightGlobal.com